LIBRARY  OF  THE  THEOLOGICAL  SEMINARY 

PRINCETON,     N.    J. 

FKOM   THE  LIBRARY  OF 
PROF.    WILLIAM   HENRY  GREEN 


BV    255    .H13    1868 
Hall,    John,    1829-1898, 
Family  prayers 


FAMILY    PRAYERS, 


FOR    FOUR   WEEKS. 


EDITED    BY 

JOHN    HALL,    D.D., 

NE-W"    YORK. 


NEW   YORK: 

ANSON    D.    F.    RANDOLPH, 

No.    770    Broadway. 

Cor,  of  lull  Street. 
1868. 


Entered  according  to  the  Act  of  Congress  in  the  year  18G8, 

Bt  ANSON  D.  F.  EANDOLPH, 

In  the  Clerli's  Olfice  of  the  District  Court  of  the  United  States,  for  the 
Southern  District  of  New  York. 


EDWARD    O.    JENKINS, 
PRINTER    AND    STEREOTTPER, 

20  North  WiUiam  Street,  N.  Y. 


PREFACE. 


T  WAS  led  to  issue  some  time  ago  a  small  volume 
of  prayers  for  families,  a  number  of  which  had 
been  contributed  by  my  friends  of  various  evan- 
gelical denominations.  These  constitute  the  first- 
half  of  the  present  volume.  The  other  half  consists 
of  selections — ^with  occasional  alterations  and  ab- 
breviations— from  a  small  and  excellent  volume, 
published  many  years  ago  without  any  author's 
name,  and  now  out  of  print. 

It  is  humbly  trusted  that  this  attempt  to  remove 
a  hindrance  to  family  religion,  may,  through  God's 
blessing,  have  some  success. 

It  is  known  that  many  who  value  family  prayer 
arc  prevented  from  giving  this  privilege  to  their 
households,  by  the  want  of  ability  to  express 
themselves  in  what  they  think  becoming  language. 

This  little  book  is  intended  to  be  a  temporary 
help  to  them  ;  and  it  is  hoped  that  a  beginning 
having  been  made  by  its  use,  heads  of  families  will 


iv  PREFACE. 

soon  feel  themselves  able  to  forego  the  aid  it  is  in- 
tended to  furnish. 

In  the  absence  of  fathers,  family  worship  is  some- 
times omitted.  It  is  belreved  that  mothers  will  thus 
be  helped  to  keep  the  fire  burning  on  the  family  al- 
tar. The  Avidowed  and  the  fatherless  surelv  need 
to  call  upon  the  Lord. 

Young  men  who  are  just  commencing  married  life, 
and  who  are  forming  the  character  of  their  "  home," 
are  entreated  to  consecrate  it  from  tlie  beginning 
by  family  prayer. 

Petitions,  suitable  in  some  cases,  and  not  in  others, 
are  marked  with  brackets ;  and  the  prayers  for  par- 
ticular occasions  at  the  close,  will,  by  their  very 
nature,  suggest  the  place  in  the  daily  worship  at 
which  they  should  be  used. 

Brethren  !  to  you,  your  wives  and  little  ones,  for 

whose  souls'  good  this  book  has  been  prepared,  to 

you  it  is  dedicated,  in  respect  and  love.     May  the 

God  of  the  families  of  all  the  earth  bless  you,  help 

you  in  all  your  toils  and  cares,  and  bring  you  and 

yours,  unbroken  households,  to  His  peaceful  and 

eternal  home,  through  Jesus  Christ,  and  for  His 

sake. 

J.  H. 


PRAYERS. 


SABBATH  MORNING. 

\  LMIGHTY  and  ever  blessed  God,  help  us  to 
•^-^  draw  near  to  Thee  through  Jesus  Christ,  and 
to  worship  Thee  in  spirit  and  in  truth.  We  thank 
Thee  that  Thou  hast  taken  care  of  us  during  the 
night.  We  bless  Thee  for  the  life,  and  light,  and 
mercies  of  this  day.  0  fill  our  hearts  with  grati- 
tude for  Thy  great  goodness  ;  and  help  us  to  spend 
the  life  which  Thou  preservest  in  Thy  service. 

We  know  that  we  are  less  than  the  least  of  all 
Thy  mercies.  We  are  unworthy  of  Thy  great  good- 
ness. We  are  sinners  exceedingly  in  Thy  sight. 
But  we  thank  Thee  that  Thou  didst  send  Thy  Son 
into  the  world  to  save  sinners.  We  bless  Thee 
that  He  died  to  make  atonement  for  our  sins,  and 
that  He  ever  liveth  to  make  intercession  for  us. 
0  have  mercy  on  our  souls,  for  Jesus'  sake.  Send 
Thy  Holy  Spirit  into  our  hearts,  and  keep  us  ever 
sensible  of  our  sinfulness  and  need  of  Christ.  Help 
us  to  embrace  Him  as  our  Saviour,  and  rest  on  Him 
continually.  May  our  life  this  day  be  a  life  of  faith 
on  Thy  Son .    Pardon  all  our  sins  for  His  sake.     Ac- 

(7) 


8  PI^A  TEES. 

cept  of  lis  in  Him.  Help  us  to  live  this  day  to  His 
glory,  and  to  show  forth  His  praises.  May  wc 
realize  His  presence,  and  walk  as  seeing  Thee,  who 
art  invisible. 

May  Thy  Holy  Spirit  dwell  in  our  hearts,  and 
make  us  holy,  even  as  Thou  art.  Fit  us  for  the  dis- 
charge of  every  duty  to  which  we  may  be  called  to- 
day, and  help  us  to  resist  every  temptation  by  which 
we  may  be  assailed.  Make  Thy  grace  sufficient 
for  us  at  all  times,  and  perfect  Thy  strength  in  our 
weakness.  Enable  us  to  walk  circumspectly,  not  as 
fools,  but  as  wise,  redeeming  the  time,  because  the 
days  are  evil,  and  to  adorn  the  doctrine  of  God  our 
Saviour  in  all  things. 

Bless  all  the  members  of  this  family,  according  to 
their  various  circumstances  and  wants.  Thouknow- 
est  the  spiritual  condition  of  every  one  of  us.  Make 
those  of  us  who  are  believers,  living  epistles  of  Christ. 
Help  us  to  let  our  light  so  shine  before  men,  that 
they  may  see  our  good  works,  and  glorify  Thee, 
our  Father  in  heaven.  Make  us  useful  and  happy 
in  Christ.  Enable  us  to  commend  our  religion  to 
all  around  us,  by  our  diligence  in  duty,  by  our  holy 
cheerfulness,  and  by  our  loving,  kindly  spirit.  If 
any  of  us  here,  bowed  down  before  Thee,  are  still 
without  Christ,  0  have  mercy  upon  them.  Pluck 
them  as  brands  from  the  burning.  Rouse  them  im- 
mediately from  their  carelessness.  Convince  them 
of  the  value  of  their  souls.  Lead  them  to  flee  at 
once  to  Jesus,  and  give  them  no  rest  till  they  have 


PRAYERS.  9 

found  peace  in  Him.  Bless  all  our  friends.  Make 
them  all  the  friends  of  Jesus,  and  cause  all  Thy  dis- 
pensations to  work  together  for  their  spiritual  good. 
Bless  the  congregation  to  which  we  belong,  and 
graciously  revive  Thy  work  among  its  members. 
Give  a  double  portion  of  Thy  Spirit  to  our  pastor. 
Fill  his  heart  with  love  to  Christ  and  compassion 
for  souls.  Feed  him  with  the  hidden  manna,  that 
he  may  be  able  to  give  to  each  of  us  a  portion  in 
due  season. 

Bless  Thine  own  cause  in  this  neighborhood. 
May  pure  and  undefiled  religion  prevail  in  it.  May 
those  who  are  Thy  children  walk  more  consistently, 
and  be  more  diligent  in  Thy  service,  and  more 
prayerful.  Awaken  the  unconverted  from  their 
spiritual  slumbers.  Bless  all  the  means  of  grace. 
Smile  on  every  effort  made  to  bring  sinners  to  the 
Saviour,  and  pour  out  abundantly  Thy  Holy  Spirit. 
0  that  Thou  wouldest  revive  Thy  work  on  every 
side  of  us ! 

Bless  the  whole  church  with  which  we  are 
connected.  Make  all  her  ministers  more  faithful 
and  self-denying,  and  prayerful,  and  successful. 
Strengthen  their  hands  for  the  great  work  in  which 
they  are  engaged,  and  cheer  their  hearts  by  permit- 
ting them  to  see  abundantly  of  the  fruit  of  their 
labors.  Bless  all  the  congregations  of  our  church. 
May  Thy  children  in  them  all  be  edified,  and  may 
the  unconverted  be  saved.  May  their  office-bearers 
be  full  of  faith  and  of  the  Holy  Ghost.     May  they 


10  PRATERS. 

be  ensamples  to  the  flock,  and  faithful  to  their  trust. 
Bless  all  our  missions  and  missionaries.  Crown 
their  labors  with  success,  and  give  them  many  souls 
for  their  hire.  Have  pity  on  those  of  our  country- 
men who  are  still  in  darkness,  and  enlighten  them. 
Take  away  the  veil  of  unbelief  from  the  minds  of 
the  Jews,  and  turn  the  heathen  from  their  idols  to 
serve  Thee,  the  only  living  and  true  God. 

Bless  all  the  churches  of  Thy  Son.  Purify  every 
one  of  them,  and  send  down  upon  them  all  showers 
of  blessing.  May  grace  and  mercy  and  peace  be 
multiplied  to  all  who  love  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  in 
sincerity.  Bless  every  effort  made  to  extend  the 
kingdom  of  Thy  Son.  Fill  the  whole  earth  witli 
Thy  glory,  and  bring  all  the  children  of  men  into 
subjection  to  King  Jesus. 

And  now,  0  Father,  we  commend  us  to  Thy  guid- 
ance and  guardianship  for  this  day.  Show  us  the 
path  of  duty  in  the  various  circumstances  in  whicli 
we  may  be  placed,  and  help  us  to  walk  in  it.  Keep 
us  from  all  evil,  and  save  us  from  every  sin  ;  and 
all  the  glory  shall  be  Tliine,  through  Jesus  Christ, 
now  and  for  ever.     Amen. 

Our  Father  who  art  in  Heaven^  c&c, 

SABBATH  EVENING. 

/^  LOBD,  our  heavenly  Father,  help  us  to  come 
^-^  as  children  to  Tliy  throne  of  grace.  Give 
us  Tliy  Holy  Spirit,  that  He  may  teach  us  wliat  to 


PRAYEBS.  11 

ask  and  how  to  pray.  Enable  us  to  come  to  Thy 
footstool  in  the  name  of  Jesus.  Thou  art  great, 
and  high,  and  holy.  We  are  weak,  and  helpless, 
and  sinful.  Oh,  may  we  approach  Thee  in  deep  hu- 
mility. Thou  searchest  our  hearts.  Oh,  help  us  to 
fix  our  thoughts  and  desires  upon  Thee ! 

We  thank  Thee,  0  Father,  for  Thy  kindness  to 
every  one  of  us  this  day.  Thou  hast  preserved  our 
lives,  and  protected  us  from  danger.  Thou  hast 
provided  for  our  wants,  and  crowned  us  with 
loving-kindness  and  tender  mercies.  Thou  hast 
given  us  Thy  holy  word  to  guide  us  ;  and  Thou 
dost  permit  us  to  plead  with  Thee  in  prayer  for 
all  that  we  require,  and  to  surround  the  family 
altar  without  any  visible  mark  of  Thy  displeasure 
upon  us. 

But  we  confess  that  we  have  been  forgetful  of 
Thee,    and    ungrateful    for    Thy    goodness.     Our 
hearts  have  wandered  from  Thee.     Our  thoughts       i^ 
have  been  too  much  occupied  with  the  trifles  of   '-^  ^*^ 
time.     AVe  have  not  loved  nor  served  Thee  as  we  ^ 

ought.     We  have  broken  Thy  holy  law,  and  sinned  >^*v 
against  Thee. 

AVe  rejoice  that  there  is  forgiveness  with  Thee,  ^^j^  £^ 
that  Thou  mayest  be  feared.  Oh,  pardon  the  sins 
we  have  committed  to-day,  and  all  our  sins,  for 
Jesus'  sake.  Wash  us  in  His  blood.  Clothe  us  in 
His  righteousness.  Santify  us  by  His  Spirit. 
Make  us  truly  sorry  for  our  sins,  and  help  us  to 
forsake  them.     Help  us  to  love  Thee  more  every 


12  PRAYERS. 

day,  and  to  serve  Thee  better.  Make  us  like 
Christ.  May  every  evening  remind  us  of  the  night 
of  death.  Stir  us  up  to  meditate  more  on  the 
eternal  rest  of  Thy  people.  Fix  our  affections 
more  and  more  on  things  above.  Prepare  us 
every  one  for  death,  and  judgment,  and  immor- 
talit3^  Sanctify  to  us  every  dispensation  of  Thy 
lioly  providence.  When  Thou  givcst  us  pros- 
perity, and  health,  and  peace,  and  happiness,  may 
we  receive  them  as  coming  from  Thy  gracious 
hand,  and  give  Thee  all  the  praise.  In  all  our 
enjoyments  may  we  remember,  and  love,  and  glorify 
Thee.  When  Thou  sendest  any  trial,  may  we  re- 
ceive it  as  a  token  of  Thy  love,  and  seek  that  it 
may  yield  in  us  the  peaceable  fruit  of  righteous- 
ness. Oh,  may  our  light  afflictions,  which  are  but 
for  a  moment,  work  for  us  a  far  more  exceeding 
and  eternal  weight  of  glory.  Draw  us  nearer  and 
nearer  to  Thee.  Grant  tliat  we  may  enjoy  com- 
munion with  Thee  every  day,  and  that  we  may 
know  from  blessed  experience  what  it  is  to  walk 
with  God.  Help  us  to  live  above  the  world,  and 
let  our  hearts  and  our  conversation  be  in  Heaven. 
Bless  every  effort  we  have  made  this  day  to  pro- 
mote Thy  glory.  Oh,  make  us  instrumental  in  win- 
ning souls  to  Christ. 

[Bless  the  children  in  this  family.  Incline  their 
hearts,  0  Lord,  to  seek  Thee  early,  and  make  them 
the  lambs  of  Christ's  fold.  Give  to  each  of  them 
a  new  heart.     May  they  sti'ive  to  be  like  the  holy 


PRAYERS.  13 

child  Jesus,  and  love  Him  with  all  their  hearts. 
Keep  them  from  sin,  and  preserve  them  from 
all  evil.  Bless  those  who  are  servants  in  this 
house.  May  they  love  and  serve  the  Lord  Jesus 
Christ,  and  be  the  objects  of  His  redeeming  love. 
Be  gracious  to  all  whom  we  love.  May  the  mem- 
bers of  all  the  families  with  which  we  are  con- 
nected be  members  of  Thy  redeemed  family,  and 
heirs  of  Thy  glory.] 

Bless,  Lord,  all  ranks  and  classes  of  men.  May 
the  poor  be  rich  in  faith  ;  and  do  Thou  graciously 
supply  all  tlieir  w^ants.  Teach  the  rich  to  be  hum- 
ble, and  to  fear  Thee  ;  and  let  them  not  trust  in 
uncertain  riches,  but  in  Thee  the  living  God.  Be 
very  merciful  to  the  sick  and  infirm.  Sanctify 
their  trials  ;  and  when  Thou  makest  their  suffer- 
ings to  abound,  make  their  consolations  much  more 
to  abound.  Be  a  husband  to  every  widow,  and  a 
father  to  every  orphan.  Break  the  yoke  of  the  op- 
pressed. Sustain  and  deliver  all  who  are  perse- 
cuted for  righteousness'  sake.  Keep  all  who  are  on 
the  deep  waters  as  in  the  hollow  of  Thine  hand. 
Watch  over  every  traveller  ;  and  be  the  stay,  and 
the  portion,  and  the  shield  of  those  who  are  stran- 
gers in  strange  lands.  Bestow  Thy  Holy  Spirit 
richly  upon  the  President,  and  all  those  who  have 
authority.  Endue  our  counsellors  with  celestial 
wisdom  ;  and  put  Thy  fear  into  the  hearts  of  all  our 
legislators,  and  rulers,  and  judges,  and  magistrates. 
Bless  all  the  people  of  this  land  with  the  blessings 


14  P  BAYERS. 

of  Thy  salvation.  Have  mercy  upon  all  lands. 
Oh,  hasten  the  time  when  all  the  kingdoms  of  the 
world  shall  become  the  kingdoms  of  our  God  and  of 
His  Christ.  Bless  all  Christian  missions.  Bless 
the  circulation  of  Thy  holy  word,  and  of  Thy  truth 
in  every  form.  Stay  the  progress  of  error  and  sin  ; 
and  let  knowledge,  and  righteousness,  and  peace, 
prevail  throughout  the  whole  world. 

And  now,  0  Lord,  we  commit  us  to  Thy  special 
care  for  this  night.  Let  no  evil  come  nigh  our 
dwelling.  Give  us  the  sleep  of  Thy  beloved.  If  it 
be  Thy  holy  will,  raise  us  in  health  to-morrow, 
htted  for  its  duties.  Be  our  sun,  and  shield,  and 
guide  us  all  our  days  and  nights,  and  at  last  re- 
ceive us  to  Thy  glory.  All  we  ask  is  for  Christ's 
sake  ;  and  to  Father,  Son,  and  Holy  Ghost  be  all 
glory  and  praise,  now  and  for  ever.     Amen. 

MONDAY    MORNING. 

OLORD,  we  approach  Thy  mercy-seat  this 
morning  in  the  name  of  our  Great  High 
Priest,  in  whose  name  alone  we  plead  for  access 
and  acceptance  while  we  worship  before  Thee. 

We  thank  Thee  for  the  safety  and  rest  of  the 
past  night ;  for  our  safety  cometh  only  from  the 
Lord,  who  made  the  heavens  and  the  earth.  We 
thank  Thee  that  we  are  all  living  before  Thee 
this  day,  to  enjoy  together  Thy  goodness  and  Tliy 
mercy.     We  thank  Thee  for  one  another,  for  our 


PRAYERS.  15 

home,  for  our  love  and  fellowsliip,  and  for  all  the 
comforts  of  life  which  we  enjoy  together. 

We  bless  Thee,  0  Lord,  for  our  fellowship  in 
the  truth,  for  the  knowledge  of  Thy  dear  Son,  our 
all-sufficient  Saviour,  and  for  the  light  and  consola- 
tion of  Thy  word.  We  bless  Thee  for  our  rela- 
tion to  Thy  Church,  for  our  fellowship  with  Thy 
people,  and  for  all  the  means  of  instruction  and 
godly  edifying  so  richly  provided  for  us.  We 
gratefully  acknowledge  Thee,  0  our  God,  to  be 
the  unfailing  Source  of  these,  and  all  our  other 
mercies,  from  day  to  day.  We  have  nothing 
which  we  have  not  received  ;  and  we  bless  Thee 
that  we  are  dependent  upon  Thee,  and  that  all  our 
need  is  supplied  by  Thee,  according  to  Thy  riches 
in  glory,  by  Jesus  Christ.  We  adore  Thee  that 
Thou  hast  made  all  our  supplies  sure  to  us,  by  Thy 
covenant  with  Thy  Son,  our  faithful  Surety,  with 
whom  Thou  dost  freely  give  us  all  things. 

0  Lord,  let  Thy  Holy  Spirit  take  away  the 
bondage  of  our  own  spirit,  —  the  self-seeking,  so 
offensive  and  dishonouring  to  Thee.  Thou  hast 
the  rightful  claim  to  our  love,  to  our  submission, 
and  our  obedience.  Oh,  help  us  by  Thy  all-suffi- 
cient grace,  to  render  unto  Thee  all  Thou  claim- 
est, — to  love  Thee  with  all  our  heart,  and  w^ith  all 
our  mind,  and  with  all  our  soul,  and  with  all  our 
strength .  Let  us  ever  feel  that  loving  Thee  is  our 
chief  joy  ;  and  let  us  never  doubt  Thy  love, — that 
love  of  which  Thou  hast  given  such  proof  in  that 


16  PRAYEB  8. 

Thou  liast  not  withheld  from  us  Thy  Son,  but  hast 
delivered  Him  up  to  the  death  for  us  all.  Truly, 
Thy  faithfulness  hast  Thou  established  in  tlie  very 
heavens.  0  Lord  our  God,  we  will  praise  Thee 
with  all  our  heart ;  we  will  glorify  Thy  name  for 
evermore,  for  great  is  Thy  mercy  toward  us,  and 
Thou  hast  delivered  our  souls  from  the  lowest  hell. 
In  Thy  name  shall  we  rejoice  all  the  day,  and  in 
Thy  favour  shall  our  horn  be  exalted.  For  the 
Lord  is  our  defence,  and  the  Holy  One  of  Israel 
is  our  King. 

0  Lord,  grant,  that  in  loving  Jesus,  our  love  to 
one  another  may  abound.  May  our  hearts  be  knit 
together  in  love,  that  we  may  be  helpful  one  to  an- 
other, that  we  may  grow  up  into  Christ  Jesus  to- 
gether, taking  sweet  counsel  together,  and  walking 
in  the  fear  of  the  Lord.  Let  us  ever  be  tendei'- 
hearted  and  kind,  forbearing  one  another  in 
love ;  in  all  faithfulness  and  truth  living  together 
as  becometh  the  gospel.  Let  us  not  bring  sharae 
or  sorrow  upon  one  another ;  and  let  not  any  be 
ashamed  for  our  sakes,  0  Lord.  Keep  us  from 
being  moved  away  from  the  hope  of  the  gospel. 
Let  us  be  strengthened  with  might  by  Thy  Spirit 
in  the  inner  man,  that  Christ  may  dwell  in  our 
hearts  by  faith. 

[0  Lord  our  God,  bless,  we  beseech  Thee,  the 
young  of  this  family.  Bless  them  with  health  and 
strength  of  body  and  of  mind,  that  they  may  be 
fitted  to  serve  Thee  in  the  activities  of  life.     Bless 


PRAYERS.  17 

to  tliem  parental  love  and  care,  that  tlicy  may  ren- 
der a  ready  and  loving  obedience.  May  Thy  grace 
purify  their  hearts,  that  they  may  be  beautified 
with  Thy  salvation.  Make  them  gentle  of  spirit, 
tender  of  conscience,  loving  and  true.  May  they 
understand  the  fear  of  the  Lord,  and  find  the 
knowledge  of  God.  Oh,  keep  them  from  the  evil 
that  is  in  the  world  ;  from  the  companionship  of 
the  ungodly ;  from  all  fellowship  with  the  un- 
fruitful works  of  darkness.  Open  up  their  way  be- 
fore them  to  safe  and  useful  occupations  in  life  ; 
and  enable  them  in  their  several  callings,  to  exer- 
cise themselves  to  maintain,  consciences  void  of 
offence  toward  God  and  toward  man.] 

0  Lord,  lead  as  forth  to  the  duties  and  engage- 
ments of  this  day  in  Thy  fear.  Enable  its  to  do 
whatsoever  we  do  as  to  the  Lord,  and  not  as  unto 
men  ]  and  do  Thou  bless  and  prosper  to  ourselves 
and  others  the  work  of  our  hands.  May  the  path 
of  duty  be  plain  to  us.  May  our  understanding 
and  judgment  be  clear,  that  no  perplexities  may  dis- 
tract us,  and  that  no  snare  may  entangle  us.  Oh, 
let  us  not  forget  Thee  in  the  occupations  and  inter- 
course of  life  this  day.  May  we  ever  have  the 
blessed  confidence  that  Thou  art  near, — our  help, 
our  shield,  light  of  our  countenance,  and  our  God. 
Keep  us  from  all  willful  offence,  from  all  unkind 
words,  from  all  guile,  and  from  all  unjust  deeds. 
And  as  we  have  opportunity,  may  we,  as  the 
children  of   our  Father,  do   good  unto  all  men, 


18  PRAYERS, 

especially  to  tliem  wlio  are  of  tlie  household  of 
faith. 

Our  heavenly  Father,  we  commit  ourselves  with 
all  our  interests  into  Thy  hands.  Undertake  for 
us.  Glorify  Thyself  in  us.  May  the  Holy  Spirit 
abide  with  us,  and  carry  on  His  good  work  within 
us,  that,  walking  in  fellowship  with  Jesus,  we  may 
this  day  overcome  the  world,  and  grow  in  meet- 
ness  for  the  inheritance  of  the  saints  in  light. 

And  all  we  ask  is  for  the  sake  of  our  Lord  and 
Saviour  Jesus  Christ.  And  to  the  Father,  and  the 
Son,  and  the  Holy  Ghost,  be  all  praise  and  glory 
for  evermore.    Amen. 

MONDAY    EVENING. 

liOUD  our  God,  by  Thy  good  hand  upon  us, 
we  meet  together  at  the  close  of  another 
peaceful  day.  By  Thy  renewed  kindness  unto  us, 
Thou  hast  put  a  new  song  into  our  mouth,  even 
praise  unto  our  God.  We  thank  thee  for  our  daily 
bread,  for  our  safety  and  preservation,  for  strength 
for  our  daily  labor,  and  for  the  measure  of  suc- 
cess which  Thou  hast  granted  to  the  works  of  our 
hands. 

We  bless  Tliee  for  all  we  have  seen  to-day  of 
Thy  works  and  ways  ;  for  everything  which  has 
reminded  us  of  Thee,  of  Thy  greatness  and  majesty, 
of  Thy  wisdom  and  power,  of  Thy  grace  and  truth. 
We  have  been  dependent  upon  Thee  all  the  day ; 


PRATERS.  19 

and,  blessed  be  Thy  name,  we  have  not  wanted  any 
good  thing.  And  Thou  art  crowning  the  day  with 
Thy  goodness,  in  granting  us  the  quiet  of  the  eve- 
ning, the  refreshing  of  the  holy  word,  and  the 
solemn  exercise  of  prayer. 

0  Lord,  Thou  hast  bestowed  upon  us  many  com- 
forts ]  oh,  that  we  were  more  thankful !  But  wc 
have  been  more  prone  to  repine  at  our  privations 
and  crosses,  than  to  rejoice  in  our  comforts.  We 
have  been  impatient  under  trial,  and  have  been 
tempted  to  envy  the  more  prosperous  condition  of 
others.  We  have  allowed  the  world  to  occupy  an 
undue  place  in  our  desires,  as  if  our  life  consisted 
in  the  abundance  of  the  things  which  we  possess. 
We  have  opened  our  minds  to  the  entrance  of  cov- 
etousness,  and  have  suffered  ourselves  to  be  fretted 
with  cares,  and  anxieties,  and  troubles  of  this  life. 
Alas  !  the  most  precious  gifts  and  blessings  in  our  ^ 
possession  have  been  lightly  regarded,  because  of 
our  sinful  longing  after  things  which  Thou  hast  in 
Thy  sovereign  wisdom  withheld.  We  have  been 
oppressed  with  fears  and  apprehensions  of  the  fu- 
ture. We  have  forgotten  to  look  forward  in  the 
light  of  the  promises,  and  we  have  mistrusted  Thy 
faithfulness.  We  have  looked  so  much  to  the 
things  Avhich  are  seen  and  temporal,  as  to  mar  our 
enjoyment  of  the  things  which  are  unseen  and 
eternal. 

0  our  Father,  we  would  humble  ourselves  for 
these    things.       We   liave    dishonored    Thee,    by 


20  PRAYERS. 

seeking  tliat  satisfaction  in  the  creature,  which  is 
only  to  be  found  in  Thyself.  Oh,  forgive  these  our 
offences  against  Thee  for  Jesus'  sake  :  create  within 
us  clean  hearts,  and  let  the  spirit  of  offence  be  cast 
out.  Teach  us  to  submit  ourselves  to  Thy  chasten- 
ings,  believing  Thy  love  in  them  all.  Thou  hast 
given  us  Christ,  and  in  Him  eternal  life.  Oh,  how 
can  wo  think  Thou  wouldst  withhold  from  us  any- 
thing else  if  it  were  good  for  us !  Lord,  let  us  not 
choose  for  ourselves.  Choose  Thou  for  us  in  Thy 
wisdom  and  love,  and  let  our  hearts  approve  Thy 
choice.  Be  Thou  our  portion,  our  light,  and  our 
joy  in  Christ  Jesus.  Help  us  ever  watchfully  to 
cherish  a  meek  and  quiet  spirit,  ever  looking  unto 
Him  who  was  meek  and  lowly  of  heart,  that  we 
may  find  rest  unto  our  souls. 

May  Thy  Holy  Spirit  ever  abide  within  us,  that 
He  may  keep  us  steadfast  in  faith,  that  we  may  not 
be  moved  away  from  the  hope  of  the  gospel  which 
we  have  heard.  May  He  ever  show  us  more  of  the 
sufficiency  and  excellency  of  Christ  our  Saviour, 
that  He  may  become  evermore  the  satisfaction  and 
joy  of  our  hearts.  We  rest  only  upon  Jesus  for 
our  acceptance  with  Thee,  that  we  may  be  justified 
freely  by  Thy  grace,  through  the  redemption  that 
is  in  Him.  Oli,  let  us  never  be  ashamed  to  confess 
Him  before  men.  Let  us  not  shun  the  reproach  of 
Christ,  nor  fear  to  suffer  shame  for  His  name.  Let 
us  not  prefer  our  own  ease  or  wordly  comfort, 
when  he  claims  our  service,  and  asks  us  to  take 


.       PBATEBS.  21 

up  any  cross  for  His  ■  sake.  Help  iis  to  cliccr 
and  encourage  one  another  in  every  self-denying 
work  for  Him.  Let  none  of  our  number  hold  back 
or  turn  aside  ;  but  let  us  all  go  hand  in.hand  in 
our  covenant  of  love,  to  be  faithful  witnesses  for 
Him  who  hath  given  Himself  for  us.  In  the  abound- 
ing of  iniquity,  let  not  our  love  wax  cold.  0  Lord, 
quicken  us  after  Thy  loving-kindness,  that  we  may 
keep  the  testimony  of  Thy  mouth. 

Heavenly  Father,  we  commit  ourselves  to  Thy 
kind  and  watchful  care  this  night.  Refresh  us  with 
rest  and  sleep,  and  let  the  light  of  a  new  morn- 
ing shine  upon  us  in  peace.  And  to  Thee  shall  be 
the  praise  and  the  glory  for  ever,  through  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

TUESDAY    MORNING. 

OLORD  our  God,  we  come  to  Thee  this  morn- 
ing as  children  to  a  father,  able  and  willing 
to  help  us.  Do  Thou  enable  us  to  come  in  an  ac. 
ceptable  manner  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Saviour, 
and  teach  us  by  Thy  Spirit  how  we  should  pray  to 
Thee  aright. 

We  acknowledge  that  it  is  in  Thee  we  live  and 
move  and  have  our  being,  and  that  we  are  indebted 
to  Thee  for  every  good  thing.  We  thank  Thee 
for  the  mercies  of  the  past  night ;  the  quiet  and 
peaceful  rest  we  have  enjoyed ;  the  protection 
granted    us  from  danger,    accident,    disease,   and 


22  P  BAYERS. 

death.      We  bless   Thee    for    the  favors   of   the 
morning,  the  light  of  another  day,  the  health  of  our 
bodies,  the  renewed  vigor  and  energy  of  our  minds, 
the  food  of  which  we  have  partaken,  and  the  riches^ 
(^of  domestic  happiness. 

We  praise  Thee  for  the  numerous  privileges,  both 
temporal  and  spiritual,  bestowed  on  us  in  this  fa- 
vored land,  the  civil  liberty  possessed  by  all 
classes,  freedom  to  worship  God  according  to  our 
conscience,  just  and  wise  laws,  able  and  upright 
rulers,  abundance  of  peace  enabling  us  to  dwell 
undisturbed  in  quiet  habitations,  the  benefits  of 
education  and  knowledge ;  and,  above  all,  the 
blessing  of  a  pure  gospel,  that  everlasting  life  is 
proclaimed  to  us  in  Thy  word,  and  by  Thy  minis- 
ters, through  faith  in  a  crucified  Saviour.  Al- 
though we  have  many  troubles,  yet  must  we  thank- 
fully acknowledge  that  the  lines  have  fallen  to  us 
in  pleasant  places,  and  we  have  a  goodly  heritage. 
We  are  not  worthy,  0  Lord,  of  the  least  of  these 
mercies.  We  are  sinful  creatures,  and  our  sins  are 
very  many  and  very  great.  We  are  by  nature  dead 
in  trespasses  and  sins,  and  children  of  wrath  as 
others.  Instead  of  Thy  favor  we  justly  deserve 
Thy  displeasure.  But  Thou  art  full  of  mercy  :  Thou 
dost  not  delight  in  the  death  of  a  sinner.  Thou  hast 
so  loved  us  as  to  give  Thine  only-begotten  Son,  that 
whosoever  believeth  in  Him  might  not  perish.  We 
praise  Thee  that  He  bore  our  sins  and  carried  our 
sorrows  ;  that  He  was  wounded  for  our  transgres- 


PRAYERS.  23 

sions,  and  bruised  for  our  iniquities ;  and  that  He 
is  able  to  save  to  the  uttermost  all  that  come  to 
God  by  Him,  seeing  He  ever  liveth  to  make  inter- 
cession for  them.  And  now,  0  Lord,  for  His  sake 
have  mercy  upon  us.  We  pray  for  pardon  because 
we  need  it  so  much  ;  our  iniquity  is  so  very  great. 
We  trust  we  shall  be  forgiven  through  the  merits 
of  our  Lord,  and  sprinkled  with  that  blood  that 
cleanseth  from  all  sin. 

Be  pleased,  also,  0  Lord,  to  sanctify  us  by  Thy 
Spirit.  We  are  corrupt  as  well  as  guilt^^  We  are 
prone  to  do  evil ;  when  we  would  do  good,  evil  is 
present  with  us.  Oh,  deliver  us  from  this  bondage 
of  corruption.  Purge  us  with  hyssop,  and  we  shall 
be  clean  ;  wash  us  and  we  shall  be  whiter  than 
snow.  Mortify  our  flesh,  with  its  affections  and 
lusts.  And,  specially,  this  day  watch  over  us,  and 
deliver  lis  from  temptation. 

Lord,  preserve  us  from  covetousness,  which  is 
idolatry.  May  we  lift  our  affections  from  things 
below,  and  set  them  on  things  above.  May  we 
count  it  more  blessed  to  give  than  to  receive.  Give 
us  our  daily  bread,  and  make  us  content  with  such 
things  as  we  have.  Set  a  watch  before  our  mouths  ,* 
keep  the  door  of  our  lips.  Incline  not  our  heart  to 
any  evil  thing,  to  practice  wicked  works  with  men 
that  work  iniquity.  Preserve  us  from  rioting  and 
drunkenness,  and  being  in  any  other  way  partakers 
of  other  men's  sins.  Keep  us  pure  from  slander, 
and  malice,  and  fleshly  lusts,  that  war  against  the 


24  PRAYERS. 

soul.  May  Satan  this  day  in  no  way  triumpli  over 
us  ;  but,  blessed  Lord,  make  Thy  grace  sufficient  for 
us,  and  perfect  Thy  strength  in  our  weakness  ;  so 
shall  we  be  glad  and  rejoice  before  Thee  all  the  day 
long. 

All  other  things  we  stand  in  need  of  we  humbly 
beg  in  the  name  of  the  Lord  Jesus,  to  whom,  with 
the  Father  and  the  Holy  Spirit,  we  ascribe  the 
kingdom,  and  the  glory,  for  ever  and  ever.     Amen. 

TUESDAY    EVENING. 

/^UR  Father  which  art  in  heaven,  at  the  close 
^-^  of  another  day  we  draw  nigh  to  Thee  in  our 
evening  family  prayer.  We  desire  to  approach 
Thee  with  a  true  heart  in  full  assurance  of  faith, 
having  our  hearts  sprinkled  from  an  evil  conscience, 
and  our  bodies  washed  with  pure  water. 

We  have  again  to  deplore  our  continued  sinfulness. 
Notwithstanding  frequent  and  repeated  resolutions 
for  good,  we  have  often  done  this  day,  in  thought, 
word,  and  deed,  what  we  ought  not  to  have  done, 
and  we  have  left  undone  what  we  ought  to  have 
done.  We  have  not  loved  Thee  with  all  our  soul, 
and  strength,  and  mind,  nor  have  we  loved  our 
neighbor  as  ourselves.  It  is  known  to  Thee  only, 
0  God,  how  far  we  have  each  one  erred  and  strayed 
from  Thy  ways.  How  merciful  and  long-suffering 
hast  Thou  been,  not  merely  to  spare  our  lives,  but, 
uotwitlistanding   our  ingratitude  and  rebellion,  to 


PRAYERS.  25 

crown  us  with  loving-kindness  and  tender  mercies, 
and  to  open  Thine  hand  liberally  to  supply  all  our 
wants !  Eighteousness  belongeth  unto  Thee,  0 
Lord,  but  unto  us  confusion  of  face.  Lay  not,  we 
beseech  Thee,  these  sins  to  our  charge,  but,  merciful 
Father,  take  them  all  away  in  the  blood  of  the 
Lamb  ;  and  ere  we  lay  down  our  heads  on  our  pil- 
lows to-night,  may  we  have  a  sweet  sense  of  Thy 
favor,  an  assurance  that  our  sins  are  really  put 
away  for  ever,  and  that  united  to  the  Lord  Jesus, 
our  souls  are  saved  with  an  everlasting  salvation. 

[Bless,  we  beseech  Thee,  our  beloved  children. 
Keep  them  in  health  of  body  ;  but,  above  all,  may 
their  souls  prosper  and  be  in  health.  Teach  them 
to  love  the  Saviour,  who  said,  "  Suffer  little  children 
to  come  unto  Me."  May  they,  from  their  earliest 
years,  take  Him  to  be  their  Master  and  Friend,  and 
ever  follow  in  His  steps.  Preserve  them  from 
the  evil  that  is  in  the  world.  As  they  grow  in 
years,  may  they  grow  in  grace  ;  and,  finally,  may 
they  be  Thine  in  that  day  when  Thou  makcst  up 
Thy  jewels.] 

[Bless  those  who  help  in  this  house.  Teach  us  to 
deal  justly  towards  them  ;  and  may  they  deal  justly 
towards  us.  Let  them  not  do  their  work  with  eye- 
service,  as  men-pleasers  ;  but  as  the  servants  of 
Christ,  doing  the  will  of  God  from  the  heart.] 

Establish  the  work  of  our  hands.  May  it  prosper, 
as  far  as  Thou  seest  it  is  for  our  good.  Teach  us 
in  prosperity  rightly  to  rejoice,  and  in  adversity  to 


26  PRATERS. 

consider.  Let  us  not  be  over-anxious  about  any- 
thing ;  but  in  every  thing,  by  prayer  and  supplica- 
tion with  thanksgiving,  help  us  to  make  our  requests 
known  to  God.  And  may  the  peace  of  God  that 
passeth  all  understanding  keep  our  hearts  and  minds 
through  Christ  Jesus. 

Bless  our  neighbors  ;  promote  among  them  and  us 
a  spirit  of  kindness  and  brotherly  love.  If  any  of 
them  are  at  enmity  with  us,  be  pleased  to  remove 
that  enmity.  If  we  have  done  them  w^rong,  enable 
us  to  confess  it,  and  make  restitution  ;  if  they  have 
done  us  wrong,  may  we  be  ready  to  forgive,  as  God 
for  Christ's  sake  has  forgiven  us. 

Bless  the  Church  universal,  and  all,  in  every  place, 
that  love  the  Lord  Jesus  in  sincerity.  May  Thy 
ministers  be  men  of  earnestness  and  piety  ;  Thine 
elders  and  other  office-bearers,  men  that  fear  Thee 
and  hate  covetousness,  filled  with  the  Holy  Ghost ; 
and  may  Thy  people  shine  as  lights  ir  the  world, 
holding  forth  the  word  of  life. 

Remember  in  mercy  our  beloved  country.  Guide 
and  bless  the  President,  all  judges,  legislators  and 
civil  officers,  that  we  may  lead  quiet  and  peaceable 
lives  in  all  godliness  and  honesty.  Restrain  wicked 
and  ungodly  men  among  us.  Put  an  end  to  drunk- 
enness, Sabbath-breaking,  swearing,  and  other  vices, 
on  account  of  which  the  land  mourneth.  Destroy 
superstition  and  ignorance  ]  and  may  Thy  word  find 
an  entrance  into  every  family  and  every  heart. 
Have  pity  upon  the  heathen  world.     Send  forth 


PEA  TEB8.  27 

laborers  unto  this  great  harvest.  And  may  the 
day  soon  come  when  all  the  kingdoms  of  the  world 
shall  become  the  kingdoms  of  our  Lord  and  of  His 
Christ. 

A¥e  now  commit  ourselves  to  Thy  care  for  the 
night.  If  we  are  spared  to  the  morning,  may  we 
rise  refreshed  to  renew  our  daily  work.  If  any  of 
us  should  be  removed  before  the  morning  light,  may 
we  be  prepared  to  die,  and  may  we  enter  upon  the 
rest  that  remaineth  for  the  people  of  God. 

Our  Father  ivhicli  art  in  heaven^  etc. 

WEDNESDAY    MORNING. 

\  LMIGHTY  and  everlasting  God,  we  lift  our 
•^-^  souls  to  Thee  in  the  morning  of  a  new  day. 
Another  night  has  passed,  and  Thou  hast  w^atched 
over  us  for  good  through  it.  We  laid  ourselves 
down,  and  now  we  have  risen  again  in  safety,  health, 
and  peace.  Each  of  us  would  say  :  "  Bless  the  Lord, 
0  my  soul ;  and  all  that  is  within  me  bless  His  holy 
name." 

Our  bodies  and  our  minds  are  refreshed  by  the 
night's  rest.  Grant,  Lord,  that  we  may  be  strength- 
ened with  might  by  Thy  Spirit  in  the  inner  man. 
While  the  sun  of  nature  brings  light  to  the  world, 
grant,  we  beseech  Thee,  that  the  beams  of  the  Sun 
of  Righteousness  may  gladden  our  souls,  and  chase 
away  all  unbelief  and  sin.  Make  us  always  to  live 
as  those  who  are  the  children  of  the  day,  casting. 


28  PRATERS, 

off  tliG  works  of  darkness  and  putting  on  the  armor 
of  light. 

0  God  of  mercy,  many  of  Thy  creatures  are, 
about  this  time,  rising  from  their  night's  rest,  and 
going  forth  to  the  engagements  of  another  day.  Do 
Thou  awaken  them  to  righteousness ;  may  they  be 
delivered  from  the  power  of  darkness,  and  be  trans- 
lated into  tlie  kingdom  of  Thy  dear  Son  ;  and  may 
the  whole  of  the  human  race,  from  east  to  west,  and 
from  north  to  south,  soon  be  made  to  hear  and  obev 
Thy  voice,  saying  to  them :  "Awake,  thou  that  sleep- 
est,  and  arise  from  the  dead,  and  Christ  shall  give 
thee  light.''  And  0  Lord,  grant  that  we  may  truly 
hear  and  obey  that  voice  ourselves. 

0  Lord,  Thou  knowest  the  end  from  the  begin- 
ning, but  we  know  not  what  a  day  may  bring  forth. 
Indeed,  so  ignorant  are  we  of  the  future,  that  we 
cannot  tell  at  the  beginning  of  one  hour  what  shall 
take  place  before  the  end  of  it.  We  do  know 
some  of  the  wants  we  shall  have  to-day,  and  some 
of  the  works  we  must  do  to-day.  Oh,  our  heavenly 
Father,  give  us  this  day,  in  all  respects,  "  our  daily 
bread."  Supply  our  wants,  and  make  us  diligent  in 
business,  fervent  in  spirit,  serving  the  Lord.  Pre- 
pare us  for  the  things  that  shall  unexpectedly  come 
upon  us.  Make  us  watchful  and  prayerful.  Grant 
us  a  clear  knowledge  of  duty  in  every  case  ;  and 
may  we  have  a  heart  forward  and  strong  in  Thy 
strength  to  do  it.  Blessed  God,  we  beseech  Thee 
to  have  Tliine  eye  upon  us,  and  Thy  hand  with  us, 


PRAYERS.  29 

to  guard  us,  to  guide  us,  to  sustain  us,  to  comfort 
us,  and  to  give  us  good  success  this  day.  From  all 
the  evil  that  is  about  us,  and  from  all  the  evil  that 
is  within  us,  keep  us  by  Thy  own  power.  Enable 
us  so  to  conduct  ourselves  that  we  may  adorn  the 
doctrine  of  God  our  Saviour. 

0  Thou  who  art  rich  in  mercy,  and  who  dost  de- 
light in  mercy,  we  commit  ourselves  to  Thee.  Bap- 
tize us  with  Thy  Holy  Spirit,  and  make  this  day  a 
day  of  blessing  to  us  all,  for  the  sake  of  Jesus  Christ, 
our  only  Lord  and  Saviour.     Amen. 

WEDNESDAY    EVENING. 

OLORD  GOD,  enable  us  to  worship  Thee  with 
reverence  and  godly  fear,  and  with  lively 
confidence  and  holy  joy,  according  to  Thy  word. 

Thou  art  very  great  and  very  good.  Lord,  Thou 
art  not  far  from  every  one  of  us  ;  for  in  thee  we  live, 
and  move,  and  have  our  being.  Make  us  to  believe 
Thy  greatness  and  Thy  goodness,  as  shown  by  Thy 
providential  care  and  bounty  continually.  Especially 
make  us  to  know  Thee  better  as  Thou  makest  Thy- 
self known  to  us  in  Thy  holy  word.  And  oh,  give 
us  always  a  deepfelt  sense  of  Thy  presence  with  us. 

We  now  humbly  approach  Thy  footstool,  bringing 
to  Thee  our  poor  sacrifice  of  thanksgiving  for  the 
mercies  of  another  day.  They  are  many  and  great, 
and  we  value  them  the  more  because  they  all  come 
from  Thy  fatherly  kindness  to  us.    lord,  we  do  not 


30  PRAYERS. 

deserve  the  least  of  them,  for  there  has  been  much 
in  us  this  day  offensive  to  Thee  ;  and  but  for  Thy 
patience  and  long-suffering  towards  us,  Thou 
woulclst  have  cut  us  down,  and  cast  us  out.  For 
Thy  name's  sake,  pardon  our  iniquity.  We  would 
not  let  the  day  close,  0  Lord,  without  the  sprinkling 
of  that  precious  blood  which  cleanseth  from  all  sin, 
or  without  again  praising  Thee  for  the  fountain 
wiiich  Thou  hast  opened  for  sin  and  for  unclean- 
ness. 

0  God,  we  are  about  to  take  our  night's  sleep. 
Wearied  with  the  day's  work,  we  need  the  repose 
which  Thou  hast  appointed  for  our  good.  Thou 
givest  Thy  beloved  sleep ;  but  Thou  dost  never 
slumber.  As  the  Shepherd  of  Israel,  Thou  art  always 
awake,  and  aware  of  all  that  is  going  on  through 
the  night,  as  well  as  in  the  day.  Lord,  keep  us  and 
our  house,  and  all  that  belong  to  us,  this  night. 
When  we  wake,  may  our  first  tlioughts  be  towards 
Thee,  and  may  the  clear  light  of  Thy  love  in  Christ 
Jesus  be  shining  on  our  hearts. 

0  our  gracious  God,  Thy  tender  mercies  are  over 
all  Thy  works.  Thou  art  the  God  of  all  the  families 
of  the  earth.  Thou  hast  opened  wide  the  stores  of 
Thy  wonderful  mercy  to  sinners  of  mankind,  and 
art  calling  them  to  come  to  Thy  throne  of  grace 
and  be  filled  from  Thy  fulness.  We  pray  that  Thou 
wilt  bless  others  as  well  as  ourselves.  Bring  our 
relations,  our  friends,  our  neighbors,  yea,  all  per- 
sons in  our  country,  and  in  tlie  world,  to  know  Thee, 


PRAYERS.  31 

and  to  rest  in  Thy  love.  Let  Thy  blessing  come 
upon  our  President,  his  family,  liis  counsellors,  and 
all  this  Eepublic.  Continue  to  us  the  blessing  of 
peace  at  home,  and  give  us  safety  abroad,  and  as 
mucli  prosperity  as  is  for  Thy  glory.  And  we 
beseech  Thee  to  pity  and  relieve  the  sick  and  the 
suffering,  tlie  bereaved  and  the  destitute,  and  tliose 
who  are  in  any  other  trouble. 

Lord,  hear  us  when  we  thus  call  upon  Thee,  and 
accept  us  according  to  the  riches  of  Tiiy  glory, 
through  our  one  Mediator  and  Advocate,  Jesu? 
Christ,  Thy  Son,  and  to  Thee,  in  Him,  shall  be  the 
praise  for  ever.     Amen. 

THURSDAY    MORNING. 

OLORD,  the  God  of  the  families  of  Israel,  we 
are  met  at  the  family  altar,  in  Thy  gracious 
providence,  to  offer  to  Thee  our  morning  sacrifice,  in 
the  name  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 

Accept  our  thanksgiving  for  the  rest  of  the  night, 
the  refreshment  of  sleep,  the  safety  and  peace  vouch- 
safed to  our  household,  the  raiment  with  which  we 
are  clothed,  the  food  provided  for  us,  and  all  the 
other  temporal  blessings  bountifully  bestowed  upon 
us.  Enable  us  to  receive  them  all  as  the  purchase  of 
the  Saviour's  love,  bearing  the  marks  of  His  precious 
blood,  and  granted  to  His  believing  people  as  the 
portion  secured  for  them  in  the  everlasting  cove- 
nant, ordered  in  all  things  and  sure.     Thus  may  we 


82  PRATERS. 

not  only  enjoy  these  blessings,  but  enjoy  Jesus  in 
them,  having"  fellowship  with  Him  in  the  participa- 
tion of  tlicm,  and  accounting  them  so  many  tokens 
of  His  love. 

Still  more,  we  thank  and  praise  Thee  for  our 
spiritual  privileges.  Thou  hast  raised  us  up,  not 
only  in  health  of  body,  but  in  soundness  of  mind. 
Thou  liast  provided  not  merely  the  bread  that 
perisheth,  for  the  sustenance  of  our  mortal  bodies, 
but  the  richer  food  of  the  word,  bringing  to  us  the 
bread  of  life  and  the  water  of  life,  that  our  souls 
may  be  nourished  and  strengthened.  Grant,  Lord, 
that  we  may  be  duly  sensible  of  the  obligation  that 
is  laid  upon  us,  to  devote  our  bodies  and  souls  to 
Thee  and  Thy  service.  Especially  may  we  feel  the 
claims  of  redeeming  love.  Help  us  to  feel  the  justice 
of  Thy  claim,  wherein  Thou  hast  said  unto  us,  "  Ye 
are  not  your  own,  ye  are  bought  with  a  price ; 
therefore  glorify  God  in  your  body  and  spirit, 
which  are  His." 

Going  forth  in  this  spirit,  may  we  hear  the  voice 
of  Christ  saying  to  us,  "  Occupy  till  I  come."  May 
we  engage  in  every  duty  as  being  due  and  rendered 
to  Him.  So  may  we  employ  our  time,  and  talents,  and 
opportunities  as  His  servants.  Give  us  grace  to 
remember  the  injunction  and  obey  it :  "  Whether  ye 
cat  or  drink,  or  whatsoever  ye  do,  do  all  to  the  glory 
of  God."  May  we  be  faithful  in  all  our  relative 
duties,  as  husbands  or  wives,  parents  or  children, 
brothers  or  sisters,  masters  or  servants,  neighbors 


PRAYERS.  33 

or  friends.  In  everything  that  we  are  called,  either 
to  do  or  suffer,  may  we  have  grace  to  sanctify  the 
Lord  God  in  our  hearts  always.  May  we  do  it  heart- 
ily, as  unto  the  Lord,  and  not  unto  men.  Keep  us 
out  of  temptation  by  Thy  adorable  providence  ;  or 
if  we  are  exposed  to  it,  may  we  find  that  God  is 
faithful,  and  will  not  suffer  us  to  be  tempted  above 
what  we  are  able  to  bear. 

Help  us  in  every  lawful  undertaking,  and  prosper 
our  labors.  May  we  wisely  and  truly  fill  the  place 
assigned  to  us  ;  may  we  be  blessed  in  it,  and  made 
a  blessing.  Help  us  to  walk  with  God,  and 
remember  that  we  are  pilgrims  and  strangers  here. 
May  we  serve  our  day  and  generation  by  the  will 
of  God,  and  so,  when  we  fall  asleep  in  Jesus,  may 
we  be  with  the  Lord.  We  beseech  Thee  to  grant 
us  these  blessings  for  the  sake  of  Christ  our  Saviour. 
Amen. 

THURSDAY    EVENING. 

"OLESSED  FATHER!  another  day  is  hastening 
-■^  to  a  close.  Lord,  grant  that  we  may  be  duly 
impressed  with  this  thought.  Our  actions,  and 
words,  and  thoughts,  our  purposes,  and  desires,  and 
motives,  and  anxieties,  are  all  before  Thee.  0  God, 
Thou  hast  seen  the  evil  that  is  in  them.  We  confess 
our  sinfulness.  We  cannot  justify  ourselves  in  Thy 
sight.  Lord,  wash  us  and  all  our  services  in  the 
fountain  of  Christ's  blood.     At  our  be?t  state  we 


34  PRATERS, 

are  vanity.  We  have  come  short  of  Thy  glory. 
Lord,  forgive  us,  and  accept  ns  in  the  Beloved. 
Then  shall  we  lie  down  in  peace,  and  take  quiet 
sleep  under  the  gracious  care  of  our  heavenly 
Father. 

Yet,  ere  we  retire  for  rest,  hear  our  acknowledg- 
ments of  Thy  grace  and  goodness  toward  us  through- 
out the  day.  Thou  didst  bear  with  us,  though  un- 
worthy and  unfaithful.  Thou  didst  enable  us  to 
prosecute  our  earthly  calling,  though,  alas,  how 
little  have  we  done  in  it  for  Thee !  Thou  hast  kept 
us  from  many  dangers,  seen  and  unseen,  however 
unmindful  we  have  been  of  Thee  and  Thine.  Thou 
hast  continued  our  opportunities  of  doing  and  receiv- 
ing good,  though  we  did  not  improve  them  as  we 
ought  to  have  done.  We  can  make  mention  of  Thy 
righteousness,  even  of  Thine  only.  Whatever  our 
attainments  or  labors  may  have  been,  we  lay  them 
all  at  the  foot  of  the  Cross.  Jesus  only  is  worthy. 
We  cast  the  crown  of  blessings,  wherewith  Thou 
hast  blessed  us,  before  the  throne,  and  the  Lamb 
who  sits  upon  it.  For  His  sake,  we  beseech  Thee 
to  accept  our  services,  unwortiiy  as  they  are  in  them- 
selves. May  our  folly  be  thus  made  wisdom,  and 
our  weakness  strength.  Whatever  we  were  enabled 
to  do,  in  harmony  with  Thy  will,  may  it  be  accepted, 
and  blessed,  and  prospered. 

Oh,  let  not  the  day  close  without  some  benefit  to 
ourselves  and  others.  Forbid  that  it  should  ever 
be  found  that  we  had  lived  this  day  in  vain.     Rather 


PRATER8.  S5 

may  tlie  words  Ave  spoke,  and  the  actions  we  per- 
formed, prove  to  be  seeds  of  truth  and  righteousness, 
which  shall  grow  and  bring  forth  fruit  abundantly. 
May  our  lives  be  so  spent,  that  when  we  die  it  may 
be  truly  said  of  us,  "  Blessed  are  the  dead  which  die 
in  the  Lord :  yea,  saith  the  Spirit,  they  rest  from 
their  labors,  and  their  works  do  follow  them."  Now 
and  then  may  it  be  given  us  to  say,  "  To  me  to  live 
is  Christ,  and  to  die  is  gain."  Living  or  dying  may 
we  be  the  Lord's. 

And  while  we  thus  pray  for  ourselves,  we  would 
not  be  unmindful  of  others.  Bless,  Lord,  our  rela- 
tions and  friends.  May  they  be  friends  of  Jesus. 
Bless  the  sick  and  afflicted :  comfort  and  counsel 
them.  Bless  the  widow  and  the  orphan  :  protect 
and  provide  for  them.  Bless  the  dying,  and  ripen 
them  for  heavenly  rest.  Bless  tlie  ministers  of  Thy 
word,  the  missionaries  of  the  Cross,  and  the  teach- 
ers of  the  young,  and  the  rulers  of  our  own  and 
other  lands.  Bless  the  President  of  the  United 
States,  the  legislators  and  all  the  judges  of  the  land. 
Bless  all  the  people,  and  may  they  lead  peaceable 
and  quiet  lives  in  all  godliness  and  honesty.  These 
and  all  other  blessings  we  ask  for  Jesus'  sake. 
Amen. 


O 


FRIDAY    MORNING. 

ETERNAL,  Almighty,  and  most  gracious  God, 
the  Giver  of  every' good  and  perfect  gift,  we 


3G  PRAYERS. 

bless  and  thank  Thee  for  Thy  love,  and  that  Thou 
hast  kept  iis  through  the  night,  and  refreshed  us 
with  sleep,  that  Thou  hast  sustained  and  awakened 
us,  and  brought  us  to  the  beginning  of  another  day. 
We  thank  Thee  for  our  life,  and  that  we  are  spared 
to  enjoy  it  5^  for  the  ties  that  knit  us  together  in  our 
household,  and  that  Thou  hast  preserved  them  un- 
broken ;  for  our  unity,  peace,  and  concord.  We 
thank  Thee  that  we  not  only  have  fellowship  one 
with  another,  but  with  the  Father  and  the  Son ; 
that  we  know  Thee,  the  only  true  God,  and  Jesus 
Christ  whom  Thou  hast  sent ;  that  Thy  word  is  a 
lamp  to  our  feet  and  a  light  to  our  path,  and  that 
Thy  Spirit  is  sent  to  lead  us  into  all  truth.  And 
we  worship  Thee,  0  God,  holy,  blessed,  and  glori- 
ous Trinity,  and  magnify  Thy  name,  and  bow  down 
with  reverence  before  Thy  glory. 

Lord,  keep  us  from  sinning  against  Thee  this  day. 
May  Christ,  the  Light  of  the  world,  lighten  our 
darkness,  and  scatter  the  evil  thoughts  and  desires 
that  trouble  and  tempt  us.  May  Christ,  the  Day- 
spring  from  on  high,  who  through  the  tender  mercy 
of  our  God  hath  visited  His  people,  visit  us -whom 
He  hath  so  greatly  blessed,  and  sustain  us  in  the 
knowledge  of  salvation  by  the  remission  of  sins. 
May  Christ,  the  Sun  of  Righteousness,  shine  into  our 
souls,  heal  us,  and  give  us  peace. 

Father,  purify  our  hearts  by  the  continual  work 
of  the  Holy  Ghost,  and  grant  us  clearer  knowledge 
and  heartier  love  for  Thee.     We  have  often  suffered 


PBAYEItS.  37 

evil  to  darken  our  minds  ;  and  we  have  often  loved 
tlie  world,  and  the  things  of  the  world,  and  ourselves, 
before  Thee  ;  and  Thou  hast  borne  with  us  in  infi- 
nite compassion  and  forbearance,  and  hast  not  taken 
Thy  Holy  Spirit  from  us.  Wherefore  we  beseech 
Thee,  by  Thy  mercy  in  Christ  Jesus,  create  in  us  a 
clean  heart,  0  God,  and  renew  a  right  spirit  within 
us,  that  we  may  worthily  walk  in  Thy  ways.  Pre- 
vent us  from  strife,  from  hasty  and  angry  words, 
from  quick  retort,  from  harsh  and  uncharitable  say- 
ings. Deliver  us  from  a  stubborn  and  unforgiving 
temper,  from  malice  towards  any,  from  uukindness 
and  unthankfulness,  from  impatience  and  obstinacy. 
Suffer  us  not  to  fall  under  any  besetting  sin,  nor  to 
yield  to  our  infirmities,  nor  to  give  place  to  the 
devil.  Keep  us  from  all  deceit  and  hypocrisy  in 
life  or  thought  or  word,  from  a  vain  and  foolish 
spirit,  from  lust  and  passion,  from  prejudice,  from 
envy,  and  from  discontent.  Preserve  us  from  the 
pressure  of  business,  and  the  hollowness  of  a  worldly 
\  life,  and  the  fretting  of  care ;  and  grant  that  neither 
(the  cares  of  this  life,  nor  the  deceitfulness  of  riches, 
may  choke  the  good  seed  of  Thy  word  within  us. 
As  Thou  hatest  sin  with  an  infinite  hatred,  grant  us 
to  hate  the  sinfulness  of  our  hearts ;  and  as  Thou 
hast  yet  loved  us  in  Jesus  Christ  Thy  Son,  and  dost 
wash  us  from  our  sins  in  His  blood,  grant  us  to  live 
this  day  by  faith  in  Him  in  whom  we  have  redemp- 
tion, and  who  by  His  sacrifice  of  Himself  hath 
opened  the  kingdom  of  heaven  to  all  believers. 


38  PRAYERS. 

Almighty  God,  our  Eefuge  and  Strength,  and  the 
Helper  and  Comforter  of  Thy  people,  help  and 
strengthen  us  this  day  for  every  good  word  and 
work,  and  comfort  us  in  all  trouble  by  the  sense  of 
Thine  unchangeable  love,  and  of  Thy  presence  with 
them  that  seek  Thee.  Fit  us  for  every  duty,  that 
we  may  do  it  faithfully  and  thoroughly.  May  both 
master  and  servant  remember  that  we  serve  a  Master 
in  heaven ;  that  all  service,  the  highest  and  the  low- 
est, is  alike  to  Thee  ;  that  in  Thy  household  we  are 
all  members  one  of  another.  May  children  obey 
their  parents  in  all  things,  and  maj  no  parents  pro- 
voke their  children  to  wrath.  Bless  our  country 
and  our  President.  Grant  us  wise  and  righteous 
laws.  May  our  commerce  and  our  polity  manifest 
the  fear  of  God  and  the  love  of  His  truth.  May 
we  be  preserved  from  war,  and  may  our  rulers  re- 
member that  we  are  all  Thy  stewards. 

0  God  our  Father,  keep  watch  over  us,  and  over 
our  beloved  kindred  and  our  friends.  Help  them 
and  help  us  to  remember  that  we  are  pilgrims  and 
strangers  here  ;  that  Thy  grace  is  sufficient  for  us  ; 
and  that  we  walk  not  by  sight,  but  by  faith,  and 
ever  looking  unto  Jesus,  in  whose  name  we  plead 
with  Thee. 

Our  Father  which  art  in  heaven,  etc. 


f 


PEA  YEBS.  39 

FRIDAY    EYENIKG. 

A  LMIGHTY  and  most  merciful  God,  tlie  Father 
-^-^  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  and  our  Father,  we 
thank  Thee  for  all  Thy  love  and  goodness,  and  we 
praise  Thee  and  worship  Thee,  the  Father  everlast- 
ing. Though  Thou  dwellest  in  light  that  is  inac- 
cessible and  full  of  glory,  we  know  Thou  carest  for 
us,  and  that  Thy  thoughts  are  towards  us.  Wc 
know  Thy  holiness,  and  Thy  power  and  Thy  divine 
majesty ;  but  we  know  Thee  through  Jesus  Christ, 
whom  Thou  hast  sent,  and  that  Thou  art  not  far  from 
any  one  of  us,  but  like  as  a  fatlier  Thou  dost  pity 
us,  and  knowest  our  frame,  and  rememberest  that 
we  are  dust  We  beseech  Thee,  who  dwellest  in 
the  heaven  of  heavens,  to  hear  us  when  we  pray. 

Thou  hast  helped  and  strengthened  us  this  day ; 
Thou  hast  given  us  food  and  raiment,  health  and 
happiness  ;  Thou  hast  guarded  our  homes,  kept  us 
from  sickness,  and  led  us  in  safety  among  a  thousand 
unseen  perils.  Thou  hast  taken  many  difficulties 
out  of  our  way,  cleared  up  many  perplexities,  lifted 
Thy  light  on  our  darkness,  encouraged  us  by  Thy 
word,  assisted  us  by  Thy  grace,  and  hast  now 
brought  us  in  safety  to  the  evening.  We  thank 
Thee,  0  God  ;  and  we  thank  Thee  above  all  for 
Thy  dear  Son,  that  we  have  all  these  blessings  for 
His  sake,  and  that  He  is  the  propitiation  for  our 
sins,  and  that  He  ever  liveth  to  make  intercession 
for  us. 


40  PRAYERS. 

We  beseech  Thee,  0  Fatlier,  for  His  sake,  who  is 
our  merciful,  and  patient,  and  sufficient  Saviour, 
that  Thou  wilt  forgive  us  our  wrong-doing  and 
wrong-thinking,  oar  negligence  and  ignorance,  and 
all  our  faults.  If  Thou  wert  only  strict  to  mark 
iniquity  we  could  not  come  before  Thee  ;  for  our  in- 
iquities are  countless  and  grievous,  and  Thou  ablior- 
rest  and  punishest  sin,  and  we  know  Thou  art  just. 
We  come  to  Thee  for  pardon.  We  have  done  little 
of  what  we  hoped,  and  we  have  done  it  ill.  We 
have  fallen  into  temptation;  we  have  yielded  to 
self-will ;  we  have  been  weak  where  we  thought  we 
were  strong. 

For  what  angry  words  have  escaped  our  lips — for 
our  moments  of  heat  and  passion — for  our  ungener- 
ous thoughts — for  our  carelessness  of  duty — for  our 
desire  of  praise  and  our  readiness  to  blame — for  our 
love  of  tlie  world  and  our  lust  of  the  flesh — for  our 
neglect  of  Thy  word  and  our  dullness  to  the  voice  of 
Christ — we  beseech  Thee  to  forgive  us.  If  we  have 
wronged  or  defrauded  our  neighbor ;  if  we  have 
been  wronged  aud  have  not  forgiven  ;  if  we  have 
been  intolerant  or  unmerciful ;  if  we  have  cherished 
any  secret  sin  or  dislionored  Thee  by  any  public 
act ;  if  we  have  not  confessed  Christ,  but  have  been 
ashamed  of  His  gospel  ;  if  we  have  not  followed 
Him,  but  only  our  own  way, — 0  God,  pardon  us. 
Have  mercy  upon  us,  0  God,  according  to  Thy 
loving-kindness  ;  according  to  the  multitude  of  Thy 
tender  mercies  blot  out  our  transgressions.  Remem- 


P  BAYERS.  41 

ber  not  the  sins  of  our  youth :  according  to  Thy 
mercy  remember  Thou  us,  for  Thy  goodness'  sake, 
0  Lord.  Wash  us  thoroughly  from  our  iniquity,  and 
cleanse  us  from  our  sin. 

We  come  to  Thee  believing  Thy  word,  and  that 
if  we  confess  our  sins  Thou  art  faithful  and  just  to 
forgive  us  our  sins  and  to  cleanse  us  from  all  un- 
righteousness. Help  us  to  believe  in  the  great 
sacrifice  of  Christ  our  Passover,  and  that  we  have 
redemption  through  His  blood.  Help  us  to  conceive 
of  Thy  holiness.  And  while  we  pray  Thee  for  Thy 
grace  to  strengthen  us  against  temptation  and  an 
evil  heart  of  unbelief,  we  thank  Thee  for  whatever 
good  we  have  done  this  day,  for  every  sin  we  have  con- 
quered, for  every  happy  thought,  and  for  the  witness 
Thy  Spirit  beareth  with  our  spirits  that  we  are  Thy 
children. 

We  carry  thy  treasure  in  earthen  vessels,  0  Lord ; 
sanctify  us  and  preserve  it  from  soil  and  sin.  We 
are  weak  and  helpless,  and  our  trials  and  infirmities 
are  many  ;  but  we  look  with  all  confidence  to  Thee, 
and  pray  that  Thou  wilt  keep  us  in  communion  with 
Thee,  that  we  may  trust  Thee,  and  love  Thee  as  our 
Father. 

We  commit  ourselves  with  all  our  house  to  Thy 
holy  keeping,  to  lay  us  down  in  peace  and  sleep,  for 
Thou  only  makest  us  to  dwell  safely.  Watch  over 
us,  0  God,  in  the  night,  and  be  Thou  our  light  in 
its  darkness,  and  take  us  under  the  shadow  of  Thy 
wings.  Be  merciful  to  the  sick,  comfort  the  sorrowful, 


4.2  PRAYERS. 

uphold  the  dying,  and  bestow  Thy  peace  upon  the 
bereaved.  Deliver  the  anxious  from  the  burden  of 
care,  and  hear  the  cry  of  Thy  children  lifted  up  to 
Thee  over  all  the  earth.  And  when  the  night  is 
gone,  awake  us,  if  it  be  Thy  good  and  loving  will  ; 
and  if  we  wake  not  here,  may  we  awake  in  Thy 
glory,  and  in  the  likeness  of  Jesus  Christ,  our  Med- 
iator and  Redeemer.     Amen. 

SATURDAY   MORNII^G. 

T^TERNAL  GOD  !  with  deep  humiliation  we 
^^  would  this  morning  bow  before  Thy  throne  of 
grace.  Thou  art  infinitely  great  and  good.  Thou 
art  worthy  of  the  adoration  of  all  Thy  creatures,  for 
Thou  art  possessed  of  boundless  knowledge,  unlim- 
ited power,  unerring  wisdom  and  infinite  goodness. 

We  rejoice  that  Thou  art  a  God  of  mercy,  and 
that  Thou  delightest  to  receive  and  pardon  the 
vilest  and  the  guiltiest  who  come  to  Thee  through 
Christ  in  penitence  and  prayer.  In  the  name  of 
Christ  we  now  approach  and  bend  around  the 
family  altar.  In  that  name  alone  would  we  ever  be 
found  addressing  our  prayers  to  Thee.  We  would 
not  come  in  our  own  name.  We  dare  not  speak  of 
any  righteousness  of  our  own,  for  we  feel  and  con- 
fess that  we  have  been  great  sinners.  But  we  rejoice 
that  even  for  such  as  we  are,  a  great  salvation  has 
been  provided. 

We  praise  and  bless  Thee,  0   God,  that  Thou 


PRAYERS.  43 

didst  so  love  the  world  as  to  give  Thine  only-begot- 
ten and  well-beloved  Son,  that  He  might  come  down 
to  this  world,  and  by  His  obedience  mito  death, 
procure  a  full  pardon  and  a  free  salvation  for  all 
who  should  believe  on  His  name. 

We  earnestly  plead  that  for  His  sake  Thou  wilt 
grant  to  us  the  forgiveness  of  our  sins.  Be  pleased, 
0  Lord,  of  Thy  great  compassion  to  blot  them  all 
out  of  the  book  of  Thy  remembrance,  and  to  write 
all  our  names  in  Thy  book  of  life. 

Grant  that  by  Tliy  Holy  Spirit  enlightening  us, 
we  may  clearly  understand  the  truth  which  Tiiou 
hast  taught  us  in  the  Holy  Scriptures.  Enable  us 
to  see  the  suitableness  and  sufficiency  of  Christ  as 
our  Saviour.  Implant  in  us  all  that  faith  which 
unites  the  soul  to  Christ.  Grant  that  by  the  Holy 
Ghost,  we  may  so  believe  on  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ, 
that  to  us  there  shall  be  no  condemnation,  and  that 
we  shall  have  present  and  perfect  peace. 

0  our  Father,  accept  in  Christ's  name  our  grate- 
ful thanks  for  all  Thy  kindness  and  care  manifested 
toward  us  through  the  past  night.  We  bless  Thee 
that,  while  others  were  tossing  on  beds  of  pain  and 
sickness,  we  slept ;  and  while  they  are  this  day  con- 
fined to  chambers  of  affliction,  we  are  permitted  to 
assemble  here  with  much  comfort. 

We  have  not  deserved  the  least  of  Thy  blessings, 
yet  they  have  been  great  and  manifold.  Accept,  0 
our  Father,  our  grateful  thanks. 

Permit  us  also  to  plead  for  dear  friends  who  may 


44  PRAYEB8. 

be  in  sickness  or  in  affliction.  Be  pleased  to  relieve 
them  from  suffering.  Restore  them  to  health. 
Sanctify  to  them  their  afflictions. 

Entering  on  the  duties  of  another  day,  we  com- 
mit us  to  Thy  kind  care.  Preserve  us,  we  pray 
Thee,  from  all  dangers.  Keep  us  in  the  hour  of 
temptation.  Give  us  grace  diligently  and  faithfully 
to  perform  our  duties,  and  to  walk  before  Thee  in 
holy  fear,  and  with  loving  hearts,  as  Thy  dear 
children. 

We  will  now  ascribe  unto  Thee,  Father,  Son,  and 
Holy  Ghost,  all  honor  and  glory  for  ever.    Amen. 

SATURDAY    EYENIN^G. 

A  T  the  close  of  another  day,  having  been  pre- 
-^-^  served  by  Thy  good  providence,  we  unite  to 
worship  Thee,  with  humble  and  grateful  hearts. 
All  the  day  long  Thou  hast  watched  over  us,  and 
therefore  it  is  that  we  are  here,  the  living,  to  praise 
Thee.  We  bless  Thee  for  all  our  temporal  mercies. 
We  thank  Thee  for  that  precious  word  of  Thine  we 
have  just  been  reading,  and  for  the  wondrous  reve- 
lation it  contains  of  Thine  infinite  love  to  lost  sin- 
ners. 

We  thank  Tliee,  0  God,  that  the  way  of  salvation 
is  so  clearly  made  known  to  us.  We  rejoice  that 
when  we  could  not  by  any  works  or  worth  of  ours 
save  our  own  souls,  or  deliver  a  brother,  Jesus 
Christ  came  down  to  earth  and  took  on  Him  our 


PBAYEBS.  45 

nature,  and  was  made  in  tlio  likeness  of  man,  that 
He  miglit  redeem  us  from  eternal  death.  We  bless 
Thee,  0  God,  that  of  Thy  sovereign  grace  Thou 
didst  permit  a  Substitute  to  stand  in  our  place.  We 
thank  Thee  that  of  Thine  infinite  love  Thou  didst 
Thyself  provide  that  Surety  in  the  person  of  Thy 
dear  Son,  and  didst  lay  on  Him  the  iniquities  of  us 
all. 

We  thank  Thee  now,  and  will  ever  thank  Thee, 
that  when  we  deserved  to  die.  Thou  didst  draw  Thy 
sword  ''against  the  man  that  was  Thy  fellow,"  and 
that  His  life-blood  was  shed  on  Calvary  to  purchase 
life  for  us. 

We  earnestly  pray  that  that  blood  may  be  applied 
to  each  of  us,  so  that  we  may  know  experimentally 
that  it  cleanseth  from  all  sin.  Our  sins  and  short- 
comings this  day  have  been  very  many.  We  have 
all  offended  Thee  our  Father ;  but  we  ask  for  mercy. 
We  plead  that  these  offences  and  sins  may  be  all 
removed,  and  that  we,  washed  in  the  blood  of  the 
Lamb,  and  clothed  in  the  white  robes  of  His  right- 
eousness, may  be  numbered  this  night  amongst  Thy 
redeemed,  justified,  and  adopted  children. 

Grant  also  that  Thy  Holy  Spirit  may  be  given  to 
us  to  abide  in  us  continually.  We  entreat  that  we 
may  be  so  enlightened  and  sanctified  by  the  Holy 
Ghost,  that  we  shall  have  clear  evidence  of  our  be- 
ing regenerated  children  of  God,  and  heirs  of  eternal 
glory. 

Help  us,  0  Lord,  by  Thy  Spirit,  ever  to  live  as 


46  PBATEBS. 

Thy  children,  animated  by  love  to  Thee,  and  rejoic- 
ing in  the  hope  of  entering  at  La?t  into  tlie  full  enjoy- 
ment of  the  redeemed  aronnd  Thy  throne. 

Take  us  this  night  under  Thy  fatherly  care.  Give 
ns  refreshing  rest,  and  while  we  sleep  watch  over 
us.  "We  are  brought  to  the  end  of  another  week, 
and  to  the  eve  of  the  day  of  holy  rest.  Prepare  us 
for  it  both  in  body  and  in  spirit.  ^lay  we  haYC 
grace  to  lay  aside  the  cares  of  our  life,  as  we  lay 
aside  its  toils,  that  we  may  hold  a  day's  fellowship 
with  Thee,  the  father  of  our  spirits. 

Visit,  we  pray  Thee,  those  who  are  in  affliction. 
Bless  abundantly  our  dear  friends.  Favor  this  land, 
and  grant  us  continued  peace  and  prosperity.  Give 
wisdom  to  the  chief  magistrate,  and  to  all  in  au- 
thority. Bless  in  large  measure  the  Church  of 
Christ.  Bless  her  ministers  and  members.  Increase 
her  purity  and  zeal.  Extend  her  borders  till  she 
fill  the  whole  earth,  and  one  song  of  praise  shall 
ascend  to  Thee  from  all  lands. 

Hear  and  accept  of  us  in  Christ,  and  to  Thy  name 
shall  be  all  the  praise  for  ever. 

Our  Father  which  ^rt  in  heaven,  etc. 

SABBATH    MOB  XIX  G. 

/~\  LORD,  most  blessed  and  most  holy,  our  Crea- 
^-^  tor  and  the  God  of  our  salvation,  we  thank 
Thee  that,  after  another  week's  labors,  we  are 
brought  in  Tliy  kind  providence  to  the  day  of  holy 


PRAYERS.  47 

rest.  IMay  the  Holy  Ghost  so  work  in  us  this  day 
that  our  hearts  shall  be  in  harmony  with  the  day, 
and  the  holy  objects  to  which  it  is  devoted. 

We  give  Thee  thanks  for  last  night's  sleep.  We 
praise  Thee  that  we  are  in  sufficient  health  to  enter 
upon  the  enjoyment  of  gospel  I'jrivileges.  We  bless 
Thee  for  giving  them  unto  us.  Thou  hast  sent  us 
the  inspired  word  that  instructs  us.  May  we  read 
it  and  hear  it  preached  with  meek  and  teachable 
spirits.  Thou  hast  given  us  the  ministry  of  the 
word  and  the  house  of  prayer.  Give  us  also,  we 
beseech  Thee,  the  help  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  that  we 
may  worship  Thee  in  spirit  and  in  truth. 

0  God,  we  cannot  tell  hovv  soon  our  day  of  grace 
may  end.  Let  none  of  us  remain  without  a  new 
heart  and  a  right  spirit.  Thou  hast  taught  us  that, 
except  we  be  converted  and  become  as  little  child- 
ren, we  cannot  enter  into  the  kingdom  of  heaven. 
May  every  one  of  us,  being  converted  unto  Thee, 
have,  througli  the  Lord  our  Righteousness,  a  title  to 
everlasting  life.  May  we  all,  according  to  our  need, 
receive  from  the  fulness  of  Jesus  Christ,  so  that  we 
may  be  satisfied  in  our  souls  from  Him. 

We  pray  that  Thou  wouldst  grant  us  the  Holy 
Spirit  to  renew  us  after  Thy  blessed  image,  and 
create  us  anew  in  Christ  Jesus  unto  good  works, 
that  we  may  be  qualified  for  serving  Thee,  and  made 
meet  to  be  partakers  of  the  inheritance  of  the  saints 
in  light.  May  the  throne  of  iniquity  within  us  be 
taken  down,  and  the  throne  of  God  and  the  Lamb 


48  PBATEBS. 

set  up.  Constrained  by  the  love  of  Christ,  may  we 
always  judge  that  we  are  bound  to  live  not  to  our- 
selves, but  to  Him  who  died  for  us  and  rose  again. 
If  any  of  us  are  disposed  to  delay  securing  an  in- 
terest in  the  Saviour  whom  Thou  hast  sent,  convince 
us  of  our  sin  and  folly.  Show  us  that  now  is  our 
accepted  time  and  day  of  salvation.  And  may  we 
give  all  diligence  to  make  our  calling  and  election 
sure.  [May  the  children  in  this  family,  and  the 
young  everywhere,  remember  their  Creator  in  the 
days  of  their  youth,  and  know  the  blessedness  of 
those  who  seek  Thee  early  and  find  Thee.] 

We  pray  Thee,  good  Lord,  to  rule  in  our  hearts 
this  day.  Let  there  be  nothing  in  our  pursuits  to 
unfit  us  for  Thy  holy  service,  or  to  hinder  the  free 
course  of  Thy  word.  Enable  us  to  spend  the  whole 
day  in  the  public  and  private  exercises  of  Thy 
worship,  except  so  much  as  is  taken  up  with  works 
of  necessity  or  mercy. 

We  pray  Thee,  most  merciful  Father,  to  bless  all 
who  are  to  preach  the  word  this  day.  Give  them 
grace  to  be  faithful.  Help  them  to  speak  in  the 
power  of  the  Holy  Ghost.  Help  also  in  their  work 
all  Sabbath-school  teachers,  and  all  others  who  in 
any  way  seek  to  labor  for  Christ  this  day.  Put 
upon  them  Thy  Spirit,  and  crown  their  efforts  with 
abundant  success.  Revive  Thy  work  in  Thy  church, 
and  add  unto  her  daily  such  as  shall  be  saved.  0 
Lord,  there  are  great  multitudes  without  the  Sab- 
bath blessings  we  enjoy.     Let  it  please  Thee  to  en- 


PnATEBS.  49 

lighten  the  nations  with  the  light  of  Thy  word. 
Bless  Thy  servants  who  have  gone  forth  to  preach 
the  Gospel  among  them.  Take  hindrances  out  of 
their  way.  Give  them  favor  in  the  eyes  of  chiefs 
and  rulers.  The  idols  do  Thou,  0  God,  utterly 
abolish,  and  make  the  kingdoms  of  the  world  the 
kingdoms  of  thy  dear  Son. 

0  Lord,  we  beseech  Thee  to  give  Thy  blessing  to 
all  for  whom  we  are  bound  to  pray.  Remember  in 
Thy  mercy  our  dear  relations  and  friends,  old  and 
young.  Give  the  sick  the  comfort  of  Thy  presence. 
Comfort  also  the  sorrowful  and  desolate.  Save  the 
dying.  Make  Thy  way  known  upon  earth,  Thy 
saving  health  unto  all  generations.  Let  that  time 
soon  come  of  which  Thou  hast  spoken  unto  us,  when 
the  heathen  shall  be  Christ's  inheritance. 

0  God  of  the  Sabbath,  who  only  hearest  prayer 
hear  Thou  us  in  these  our  requests  ;  and  what  we 
fail  to  ask  because  of  our  ignorance,  yet  do  Thou 
grant  unto  us  according  to  the  riches  of  Thy  grace 
in  Christ  Jesus,  our  Redeemer.     Amen. 

SABBATH    EVENING. 

"OLESSED  Lord,  our  Divine  Father,  receive,  we 
■^-^  beseech  Thee,  the  praises  we  have  joined  with 
Thy  people  in  offering  unto  Thee  this  day.  Accept 
our  thanks  for  the  privileges  we  have  enjoyed,  and 
be  pleased  to  make  deep  and  lasting  upon  our  souls 
the  impressions  of  Thy  holy  word. 
B 


50  PRA  TER8. 

Our  Father,  we  are  not  able  to  render  perfect 
service  mito  Thee.  When  our  bodies  are  bowed 
down  in  Thy  presence,  our  hearts  too  often  turn 
away  from  Thee.  We  hear  Thy  word  with  our 
ears,  and  yet  we  are  as  though  we  heard  not.  Par- 
don every  one  of  us  wherein  we  have  offended  against 
Thee  this  day.  The  good  Lord  forgive  every  one 
that  has  not  rightly  prepared  himself  to  seek  Thy 
face,  and  send  down  His  blessing  on  all  true  dis- 
ciples, for  the  sake  of  Christ  their  Elder  Brother. 

And  now,  gracious  Father,  we  ask  Thy  continued 
care  during  another  night.  Watch  over  us  while 
we  are  unable  even  to  see  danger.  Thou  keepest 
Thy  people  ;  0  Lord,  keep  us,  that  no  evil  come 
nigh  our  liome,  that  no  danger  or  accident  befall 
our  bodies,  and  that  the  wicked  one  touch  not  our 
souls. 

May  the  week  which  we  have  begun  in  Thy  ser- 
vice, be  spent  to  Thy  glory.  May  the  truths  of  Thy 
holy  w^ord  so  impress  and  influence  us  that  we  shall 
live  this  week  under  their  power.  Oh,  help  us  to 
be  gentle,  true,  and  honest  in  all  our  dealings  with 
our  fellow-men.  Give  us  grace  to  be  courageous, 
pure,  and  sincere  in  doing  Thy  will.  Keep  each 
of  us  from  doing  evil  to  others,  and  from  receiving 
evil  at  the  hands  of  others.  Oh,  help  us  to  do  good 
to  all  men  as  we  have  opportunity,  especially  unto 
them  of  the  household  of  faith. 

Soon  may  all  mankind  know  that  Thou  hast  so 
loved  the  world  as  to  give  thine  only-begotten  Son, 


PRAYERS.  51 

that  whosoever  believeth  in  Him  might  not  perish, 
but  have  everlasting  life.  Help  us.  we  beseech 
Thee,  to  accept  this  Saviour  joyfully,  to  confide  in 
Him  firmly,  and  to  follow  Him  fully.  May  we  be 
made  the  righteousness  of  God  in  Him.  And  being 
justified  by  faith,  may  we  have  peace,  and  joy,  and 
hope.  Assured  of  our  interest  in  Him,  may  we  rise 
above  the  fear  of  death,  and  be  delivered  from  the 
sin  that  doth  most  easily  beset  us,  and  run  with  per- 
severance the  race  that  is  set  before  us,  looking  unto 
Jesus  as  our  pattern  and  our  end.  While  in  this 
world  may  the  same  mind  be  in  us  which  was  also 
in  Christ. 

0  Lord  our  God,  we  are  reminded  this  night  that 
our  life  must  soon  come  to  an  end.  Teach  us  how 
to  labor  in  Thy  service,  and  let  us  have  it  said  to 
us  at  last,  Well  done,  good  and  faithful  servants. 
We  thank  Thee  that  a  rest  remaineth  for  Thy  people. 
Make  us  ready  for  its  holy  enjoyments.  We  praise 
Thee  that  Christ  our  Lord,  has  been  received  into 
glory,  and  placed  at  Thy  right  hand.  Let  us  feel 
that  we  too  shall  come,  as  members  of  His  body,  to 
the  mansions  He  has  prepared.  Let  us  be  enabled 
to  walk  as  those  who  are  risen  with  Christ.  Set 
our  affections  on  things  above,  where  Christ  sitteth 
at  Thy  right  hand. 

Gracious  Father,  we  pray  for  those  whom  Thou 
hast  joined  unto  us  in  bonds  of  nature  or  of  Christ- 
tian  love.  Whatever  good  they  have  done  us,  or 
intended  to  do  us,  return  Thou  into  their  own  bosom. 


52  PRAYERS. 

Enricli  them  with  the  gifts  of  Thy  grace  ;  and 
though  they  and  we  be  separated  on  earth,  let  us, 
while  we  live,  ever  have  a  meeting-place  at  our 
Father's  throne  of  grace  ;  and  may  we  be  gathered 
together  at  last  in  Thy  glorious  presence  to  be  for- 
ever with  the  Lord. 

We  are  not  worthy  to  approach  Thee.  We  have 
no  right  to  ask  these  blessings  for  ourselves  or  for 
others.  But  Jesus  is  worthy.  We  plead  His  fin- 
ished work  for  us.  We  rely  on  Him  for  acceptance, 
and  we  shall  give  the  glory  to  Father,  Son,  and 
Holy  Ghost,  one  God  for  ever.     Amen . 

MONDAY    MORNING. 

/^  GOD,  our  heavenly  Father,  from  whom  we 
^-^  receive  every  good  thing,  Thou  didst  permit 
us  last  night  to  cast  ourselves  upon  Thy  care.  We 
asked  safety  and  peace,  and  Thou  hast  watched 
over  and  strengthened  our  bodies  with  the  rest  of 
the  night.  And  now  we  come  to  Thee  to  thank  Thee. 
We  do  not  deserve  this,  or  any  other  of  the  proofs 
of  Thy  goodness  that  we  enjoy.  Receive  our  thanks, 
0  Thou  Preserver  of  men,  and  deepen  in  our  hearts 
the  feeling  that  we  are  safe  because  we  are  kept 
by  Thee. 

And  now  we  join  together  as  a  houseliold  in  ask 
ing  Thee  to  be  with  us,  as  a  father  to  his  children  ; 
Oh !  enable  us  to  look  up  to  Thee  as  children  to  a 
father.     Keep  us  in  comfort  and  safety  this  day. 


PRAYERS.  53 

Give  us  our  daily  bread,  and  order  all  our  steps. 
Let  there  be  nothing,  0  our  Father,  in  our  life  as  a 
family,  to  grieve  Thy  Spirit,  or  to  drive  away  Thy 
blessing.  Show  unto  us  what  we  owe  to  one  another, 
and  make  us  kind,  gentle,  and  helpful  to  each  other. 
Keep  us  from  all  fretfulness,  sinful  anger,  and  rash 
speaking.  Guard  us  against  errors  and  mistakes, 
and  give  us  in  all  things  the  wisdom  that  cometh 
from  above.  0  God,  give  Thy  blessing  upon  our 
labors  this  day,  and  help  us  to  engage  in  them  with 
contented  minds  ;  for  Thou,  Lord,  hast  fixed  our 
lot  and  given  us  our  work  to  do.  May  we  be  made 
happy  and  prosperous  as  a  household  through  Thy 
good  blessing  resting  upon  us. 

We  pray  Thee  further  still,  heavenly  Father,  for 
the  spiritual  blessings  that  our  souls  need.  Oh, 
may  each  of  us  have  full  and  free  forgiveness  of  sin 
through  the  redemption  that  is  in  Christ.  Grant 
us  the  peace  of  believing.  Oh,  give  us  Thy  holy 
Spirit,  that  He  may  put  down  the  evil  that  is  in 
each  of  us,  and  make  us  pure  in  heart.  May  each 
of  us  this  day  strive  to  die  unto  sin.  Help  us,  0 
God,  to  live  unto  Thee  :  Thou  hast  made  us  for 
Thy  glory.  Keep  this,  we  beseech  Thee,  ever  in 
the  thoughts  of  our  hearts,  and  let  us  live  as  be- 
comes those  who  are  looking  to  the  Lord  Jesus  for 
eternal  life.  Thou,  God,  searches t  the  heart  of 
each  of  us.  Let  no  secret  sin  lurk  within  us  to  de- 
stroy our  peace,  and  break  out  into  open  rebellion 
against  Thee. 


54  PBATEBS. 

Wc  pray  Thee,  0  God  the  Lord,  to  bless  our  land 
with  peace  and  true  prosperity.  Let  there  be  em- 
ployment and  bread  for  the  poor.  Keep  the  rich 
from  trusting  in  uncertain  riches.  Bless  those  who 
are  in  power  and  authority,  and  help  them  to  rule 
in  Thy  fear.  Pour  out  Thy  Spirit  on  the  churches, 
to  revive  them,  and  make  us  a  blessing  among  the 
nations. 

0  God  our  Father,  we  join  in  offering  these 
thanks  and  prayers  to  Thee  in  the  holy  name  of 
Jesus,  our  only  High  Priest,  to  whom  be  glory  for 
ever.    Amen. 

MONDAY    EVENING. 

"T  ORD  God  Almighty,  in  whom  we  live,  the  Giver 
-L-*  of  every  good  gift,  help  us  with  one  accord  to 
come  to  Thee  around  our  family  altar.  Hear  Thou 
our  prayers,  and  accept  our  thanksgivings  for  the 
blessings  of  the  day.  We  began  it  looking  unto 
Thee  ;  we  would  close  it,  0  Lord,  with  Thee.  Thou 
makest  us  happy  morning  and  evening.  From  Thee 
came  to  us  the  food  that  nourished  us  and  the  health 
we  enjoyed  this  day.  Thou  hast  given  us  a  home, 
and  friends,  and  employment.  We  enjoy  the  bless- 
ings of  this  life,  without  deserving  them.  Too 
often,  alas  !  we  abuse  them.  We  confess  this  sin 
and  all  our  other  sins  before  Thee.  We  pray  for 
pardon  for  the  sake  of  Jesus  Christ,  the  only 
Saviour. 


PRATERS.  55 

And  now,  we  beseech  Thee,  0  Lord,  to  continue 
Thy  care  over  us  while  we  sleep  :  the  darkness  does 
not  hide  from  Thee.  Let  no  danger  come  to  our  home. 
Let  the  rest  of  the  night  refresh  us  ;  and  let  us  be 
strong  in  body  and  fixed  in  purpose  on  the  morrow, 
to  serve  Thee  more  truly  than  we  have  done  to-day. 
And  as  our  days  and  nights  are  passing  quickly 
away,  grant  that  we  may  come  nearer,  everlasting 
Father,  to  Thee,  in  love,  in  childlike  confidence,  in 
knowledge  and  in  holiness,  being  made  meet  by 
Thee  for  the  inheritance  of  the  saints  in  light. 

Almighty  Father,  we  have  many  relatives  and 
friends  whom  we  love  and  who  love  us.  Hear  their 
prayers  for  us.  Hear  us  when  we  commend  them 
unto  Thee.  Some  of  them  have  great  trials  :  we 
beseech  Thee,  good  Lord,  to  support  them  under 
them.  Some  of  them  have  sore  temptations  :  give 
grace  to  them  and  us  to  overcome  through  the 
strength  of  Christ  Jesus.  Grant  unto  each  of  them 
the  saving  knowledge  of  the  Redeemer,  that,  trust- 
ing in  Him,  and  walking  in  His  ways,  they  may 
come  with  us,  and  with  all  the  family  that  is  named 
after  Jesus,  to  Thy  everlasting  kingdom. 

Lord  God,  there  are  many  sick  who  shall  wish 
through  this  night  that  it  were  morning.  We  pray 
Thee  to  be  merciful  to  them  in  their  sickness,  to 
show  them  the  Great  Physician.  Through  Him  do 
Thou  heal  all  their  diseases  and  forgive  all  their 
iniquities. 

And  many,  0  Lord,  are  in  the  night  of  ignorance 


56  PRAYERS. 

and  sin.  0  merciful  God,  send  forth  Thy  light 
unto  them,  and  give  them  Thy  salvation.  Hear  us, 
we  earnestly  beseech  Thee,  in  these  our  petitions, 
and  mercifully  grant  us  an  answer  for  the  sake  of 
our  precious  Saviour,  Thy  Son,  to  whom,  with  Thee 
and  the  Holy  Ghost,  one  God,  be  the  kingdom, 
power,  and  glory,  for  ever.     Amen. 

TUESDAY    MORNING. 

T^LESSED  and  everlasting  Father,  who  hast  loved 
-■-^  us,  and  given  Thy  Son  to  be  our  Saviour,  we 
thank  Thee  for  thy  word  that  we  have  now  read 
together.  We  pray  to  Thy  Holy  Spirit  to  show  us 
its  meaning,  and  to  write  it  on  our  hearts,  so  that 
it  may  form  our  principles  and  direct  our  steps. 
We  adore  Thee  as  our  Maker,  and  own  Thee  as 
our  Lord.  We  worship  Thee  in  Jesus  Clirist  Thy 
Son.  We  could  not  know  Thee  or  come  to  Thee 
but  in  Him.  We  thank  Tliee  for  gracious  invita- 
tions to  the  throne  of  grace  ;  and  we  pray  that  the 
Holy  Ghost  may  be  in  us  as  long  as  we  live,  as  a 
spirit  of  grace  and  of  supplication. 

0  Lord,  our  holy  Father,  we  confess  before  Thee 
our  sins.  Our  hearts  cherish  evil  thoughts,  and  our 
lips  utter  perverse  and  foolish  things.  Our  hands 
have  often  done  evil.  We  have  walked  in  the  ways 
of  sin.  We  have  rebelled  against  Thee,  and  done 
wickedly.  It  is  of  Thy  mercy  that  we  are  not  con- 
sumed. 


PRATERS.  51 

We  do  not  try,  heavenly  Father,  to  deny  or  con- 
ceal our  sin.  We  cannot  atone  for  it ;  nor  can  we 
work  out  any  righteousness  of  our  own.  Lord, 
save  us  ;  we  perish.  We  wish  to  look  unto  Jesus 
that  we  may  be  saved.  We  trust  in  Him.  Oh, 
receive  us,  and  bring  us  through  the  perils  of  life, 
and  through  death,  to  heaven,  for  His  name's  sake. 

We  beseech  Thee,  most  merciful  God,  to  be  with 
us  this  day  in  all  we  have  to  do.  Make  us  diligent 
in  our  duties.  Keep  our  consciences  tender,  that 
we  may  easily  know  the  evil  and  turn  from  it.  Let 
us  not  be  afraid  of  men,  so  as  to  deny  Christ.  Oh, 
help  us  to  do  our  common  duties  from  love  to  Him, 
that  He  may  be  glorified. 

Lord,  give  Thy  blessing  to  us  as  a  family.  May 
all  under  this  roof  be  kept  by  Thee.  Let  our  tastes 
and  wishes  be  within  what  Thou  dost  give  us  of 
earthly  blessing.  Save  us  from  all  sinful  waste,  self- 
indulgence,  and  folly.  Guard  every  one  of  us  from 
temptation  to  little  sins,  that  we  fall  not  by-and-by 
into  great  sins. 

We  pray  for  Thy  blessing,  0  Lord,  on  our  en- 
gagements for  the  day.  Help  us  to  satisfy  every 
just  expectation  of  Thy  people.  Let  us  be  a  bless- 
ing and  not  a  curse.  Oh,  that  we  may  feel  that  we 
are  not  our  own,  but  that  we  are  bought  with  a 
price,  even  the  precious  blood  of  Jesus. 

Our  Father,  hear  us  when  we  thus  call  upon  Thee, 
for  Thy  Son  our  Saviour's  sake.    Amen. 
3^ 


58  PRAYERS. 

TUESDAY    EVENING. 

GRACIOUS  and  most  merciful  Fatlier,  the  God 
and  Father  of  our  Lord  Jesus,  Thou  hast  been 
the  God  of  Thy  people  in  all  generations.  The  poor 
have  cried  unto  Thee,  and  Thou  hast  heard  them. 
Help  us  to  lift  up  our  hearts  unto  Thee  in  our  evening 
prayer  ;  and  receive  the  humble  and  hearty  thanks 
we  give  unto  Thee  for  all  the  blessings  of  another 
day. 

For  whatever  sins  we  have  committed  against 
Thee  to-day,  we  pray  for  Thy  forgiveness.  If  we 
have  forgotten  Thee,  or  cast  off  Thy  fear,  if  we 
have  secretly  murmured  against  Thee,  doubted  Thee 
in  our  hearts,  or  denied  Thee  with  our  lips,  pardon 
us,  we  pray  Thee,  for  the  sake  of  Him  who  came  to 
save  even  the  chief  of  sinners.  Lord,  Thou  hast 
seen  how  we  have  carried  ourselves  towards  our 
fellow-men  to-day.  If  we  have  been  envious  or 
proud,  if  we  have  taken  pleasure  in  the  sufferings 
of  any,  if  we  have  been  hard  or  unjust  to  any,  par- 
don us,  0  Lord.  Lift  upon  us  the  light  of  Thy 
reconciled  countenance,  and  give  us  grace  to  break 
off  these  and  all  our  other  sins  by  repentance. 

We  beseech  Thee,  blessed  Lord,  to  make  our 
hearts  pure,  that  our  lives  may  be  blameless.  Keep 
us  in  constant  readiness  for  any  change  of  life,  and 
for  death  itself.  Let  us  not  so  build  on  eartlily  bless- 
ings that  the  want  of  them  will  crush  us.  Be  Thou, 
0  God,  our  portion  and  our  inheritance  for  ever. 


PRATEBS.  59 

And  now,  0  Thou  God  of  peace,  if  we  have  ene- 
mies, help  us  to  forgive  them.  Incline  those  who 
hate  us  to  be  at  peace  with  us,  and  so  let  us  go  to 
rest  to-night  at  peace  with  Thee  our  Maker,  and  at 
peace  with  our  fellow-men.  If  we  awake  in  tlie 
night,  let  us  feel  that  Thou  art  near  ;  and  if  it  should 
be  Thy  will  that  any  of  us  should  die  in  sleep,  let  us  be 
so  plainly  the  Lord's  servants,  that  they  who  remain 
behind  may  say  of  us.  Blessed  are  the  dead  that  die 
in  the  Lord. 

We  beseech  Thee  for  our  relatives  and  our  friends. 
They  are  scattered  abroad,  but  Thou  seest  them  all. 
Give  them  all  good  things  for  the  life  that  now  is, 
and  for  that  which  is  to  come. 

We  beseech  Thee  for  the  poor,  the  infirm,  and  the 
aged.  Grant  them  patience  under  suffering,  through 
the  comfort  of  the  Holy  Ghost  given  unto  them. 
We  beseech  Thee  for  the  dying,  that  they  may  have 
the  victory  through  the  blood  of  the  Lamb.  We 
pray  Thee  also,  0  God,  on  behalf  of  the  bereaved 
and  sorrowful.  Let  the  fatherless  find  help  in  Thee. 
Teach  the  widow  to  trust  in  Thee. 

We  pray  Thee  for  all  that  are  held  captive  of 
evil  habits,  and  bound  in  sin.  Deliver  them,  0  Lord, 
that  they  may  praise  Thee.  Scatter  them  that  are  for 
war,  and  preserve  peace  to  us.  Bring  heathen  error  to 
an  end,  and  let  the  ends  of  the  earth,  that  have  so  long 
forgotten  Thy  name,  remember  and  turn  unto  Thee. 

Hear  us,  and  preserve  us  now  and  evermore,  for 
the  sake  of  Christ,  our  Advocate  with  Thee.     Amen. 


60  PRAYERS. 

WEDNESDAY    MORNING. 

IT^YER  blessed  Lord,  tlie  God  and  Father  of  our 
-^  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  we  desire  to  begin  another 
day  in  Thy  fear.  As  we  go  forth  to  its  duties,  we 
ask  Thy  guidance.  As  Thou  hast  kept  us  during 
the  night,  and  suffered  no  evil  to  come  upon  us,  so 
do  Thou  keep  us,  blessed  Lord,  to  the  close  of  this 
day,  and  let  us  not  sin  against  Thee. 

Thou  hast  given  us  the  places  we  fill  in  life.  Make 
us  contented,  heavenly  Father,  with  our  lot.  Pre- 
serve us  from  vain  and  fruitless  striving  after  any- 
thing Thou  secst  it  good  to  withhold  from  us,  and 
help  us  to  adorn  the  doctrine  of  our  Saviour  in  all 
things. 

We  praise  Thee  for  our  liberty,  for  the  protection 
of  the  laws,  for  our  friends,  and  for  all  the  comforts 
that  are  given  to  us.  Every  good  gift  cometh  from 
Thee,  blessed  Father.  Make  us  grateful  to  Thee, 
and  useful  to  one  another,  and  to  all  around  us. 
Help  us  to  keep  the  laws  of  our  country,  and  bless 
all  our  fellow-subjects.  We  pray  Thee  for  the 
President,  and  all  in  authority,  that  they  may  be  a 
blessing  to  the  people  of  this  republic,  and  that  they 
may  have,  after  this  life,  crowns  that  fade  not  away. 

Holy  Father,  we  have  sinned  much  against  Thee. 
We  live  too  much  in  forgetfulness  of  Thee,  and  too 
much  in  the  fear  of  man.  We  do  our  duties  with- 
out the  due  sense  of  Thy  authority.  We  fail  to  have 
a  single  eye.     Wc  please  ourselves  when  we  ought 


PRAYERS.  61 

to  please  Thee.  We  confess  these  our  sins  before 
Thee,  and  pray  for  Tlij  forgiveness,  for  the  sake  of 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 

We  thank  Thee,  gracious  Lord,  that  there  is  for- 
giveness with  Thee,  that  Thou  mayest  be  feared. 
Alas !  we  have  often  abused  Thy  mercy.  We  praise 
Thee  for  the  gift  of  Christ,  who  died  for  our  sins, 
and  rose  again  for  our  justification.  We  pray  that 
every  one  of  us  may  be  saved  by  Him.  0  Lord, 
take  away  the  guilt  of  our  sins.  0  Lord,  set  us  free 
from  the  power  of  sin,  and  let  not  any  iniquity  have 
dominion  over  us. 

Especially  do  we  beseech  Thee,  Thou  all-seeing  . 
God,  for  purity  of  heart.  Put  Thy  Holy  Spirit 
within  each  of  us ;  and  where  He  has  already  come 
unto  us,  may  He  dwell  continually  with  us.  0  Lord, 
keep  us  from  grieving  Him  by  evil  of  any  kind  in 
our  thoughts,  or  in  our  life.  Let  no  sin  be  harbored 
in  our  minds  :  we  know  not  into  what  evil  we  might 
be  plunged,  if  left  to  ourselves.  Leave  us  not,  0 
God,  but  keep  us  by  Thy  mighty  power,  through 
faith  unto  salvation. 

Keep  all  Thy  people  this  day,  heavenly  Father, 
in  peace.  Give  comfort  to  those  who  are  suffering 
affliction.  Pity  the  poor,  and  give  the  light  of  the 
Gospel  to  the  ignorant.  Comfort  all  the  children  of 
sorrow,  and,  according  to  the  greatness  of  Thy 
power,  do  Thou  preserve  those  who  are  appointed 
to  die. 

Hear  us.  Lord  God,  in  what  we  ask  for  ourselves 


62  PRATERS. 

and  for  others,  for  the  sake  of  Jesus  Christ ;  and  to 
Thee  the  Father,  with  the  Son  and  the  Holy  Ghost, 
one  Lord,  be  all  honor  and  praise.     Amen. 

WEDNESDAY    EVENING. 

ALMIGHTY  Father,  before  whom  we  bowed 
this  morning,  and  by  whom  we  have  been  kept 
throughout  the  day,  give  us  the  help  of  Thy  Holy 
Spirit  as  we  worship  again  in  Thy  presence.  We 
thank  Thee  for  Thy  fatherly  care  of  us.  Hitherto 
hast  Thou  helped  us,  and  we  join  together  to  praise 
Thee  and  bless  Thy  holy  name. 

Forgive,  0  Lord  God,  the  sins  Thou  hast  seen  in 
us  this  day.  We  come  far  short  of  what  Thou  hast 
a  right  to  require  at  our  hands.  But,  0  Lord,  deal 
not  with  us  according  to  our  evil,  but  according  to 
Thy  grace  in  Christ  Jesus,  the  grace  that  hath 
brought  us  salvation.  We  beseech  Thee  to  bless 
and  establish  the  work  of  our  hands.  All  true 
prosperity  comes  from  Thee.  Let  there  be  profit  in 
all  our  labor.  And  give  us  grace  whatever  we  do  to 
do  all  Thy  to  glory.  0  Lord,  Thou  art  infinitely  good 
and  wise.  Thou  hast  settled  it  that  our  day's  labor 
should  be  followed  by  the  rest  of  the  night.  Thou 
dost  draw  around  us,  and  around  Thine  other 
creatures,  the  curtains  of  the  night :  so  Thou  givest 
Thy  beloved  sleep.  We  pray  that  we  may  sleep  in 
safety  under  Thy  preserving  hand. 

0  Lord,  we  cannot  tell  how  soon  it  may  be  Thy 


PRATERS.  63 

will  that  we  should  sleep  the  sleep  of  death.  Oh, 
prepare  us  for  whatever  Thou  art  preparing  for  us. 
May  every  one  of  us  be  in  Christ ;  may  the  heart 
of  every  one  of  us  be  a  new  heart.  May  the  life  of 
each  of  us,  whether  long  or  short,  be  a  holy  life  ; 
and  when  we  die,  may  each  of  us  fall  asleep  in  Jesus. 
Being  made  free  from  sin,  and  being  the  servants  of 
God,  may  we  each  have  fruit  unto  holiness,  and  the 
end  everlasting  life. 

Gracious  Father,  we  remember  in  our  prayers 
those  with  whom  we  mingle  in  our  daily  life.  Give 
them  Thy  good  blessing.  Show  us  how  to  do  them 
good,  for  Christ^s  sake.  Keep  us  from  receiving 
evil  from  others.  May  the  Lord  Jesus  be  our 
example,  and  give  us  grace  to  commend  His  blessed 
service  to  all  around  us.  \ 

Bless,  we  beseech  Thee,  all  our  kindred,  young  \ 
and  old,  not  only  with  the  blessings  of  this  life,  but, 
above  all,  with  the  pardon  of  sin  and  the  salvation 
that  is  in  Christ.  Lead  the  feet  of  the  young  in 
the  way  of  peace.  Keep  the  aged  from  the  love  of 
the  world,  and.  give  them  the  hope  that  maketh  not 
ashamed. 

Bless,  we  beseech  Thee,  Thy  people  in  these 
lands.  Maintain  the  truth  as  it  is  in  Jesus  among 
us.  Bless  all  Bible  and  tract  societies,  and  all 
efforts  for  the  salvation  of  souls.  Bless  the  labors 
of  ministers  and  Sunday-school  teachers,  for  the 
sake  of  Christ  Jesus. 

Our  FatJier  ichich  art  in  heaven^  etc. 


64  PRAYERS. 

THURSDAY    MORNING. 

T  ORD  God  Almighty,  our  Divine  Preserver,  who 
-^-^  dost  make  our  mornings  and  evenings  happy, 
we  come  to  renew  our  sacrifice  of  praise,  and  to  offer 
once  more  our  prayer  to  Thee  in  the  holy  name  of 
Jesus  Christ.  We  cannot  pray  unto  Thee  aright, 
0  Lord,  witliout  the  help  of  Thy  Holy  Spirit.  It  is 
the  living  that  praise  Thee,  0  Lord  :  the  dead  can- 
not. Make  every  one  of  us  alive  unto  Thee,  that 
with  joyful  lips  we  may  glorify  Thy  great  name. 

Thy  good  gifts  come  to  us,  0  Lord,  with  so  much 
constancy,  that  we  are  in  danger  of  forgetting  the 
hand  that  bestows  them.  0  Lord,  keep  us  from 
this  sin.  Make  us  mindful  of  Thy  goodness,  and 
constant  in  our  praises  and  our  service.  Let  us  eat 
our  meat  with  gladness.  Let  us  enjoy  the  comforts 
Thou  givest,  because  they  are  Thy  gifts  to  us. 
Keep  us  from  abusing  them  by  any  reckless  waste, 
or  sinful  indulgence  of  the  flesh.  Whether  we  eat  or 
drink,  or  whatever  we  do,  let  us  do  all  to  Thy 
glory. 

0  Thou  God  of  salvation,  we  bless  Thee  for  the 
way  of  life  opened  up  to  us,  guilty  sinners,  through 
Jesus  Christ,  Thine  only  Son,  our  Redeemer.  We 
had  no  claim  upon  Thy  grace.  Freely  and  of  Thine 
own  mercy  Thou  didst  give  Him  a  ransom  for  us. 
We  glorify  Thee  for  the  riches  of  Thy  grace,  for  the 
completeness  of  His  work,  for  the  freeness  of  Thine 
offer.     How  shall  we  escape  if  we  neglect  so  great 


r     PEA  TUBS.  65 

salvation  ?  What  more  could  have  been  done  for 
us  than  Thou  hast  done?  And  yet,  Lord,  we  are 
by  nature  inclined  to  neglect  it.  Oh  !  keep  us  from 
this  sin.  Create  in  every  one  of  us  a  new  heart — a 
heart  that  will  believe  in  and  love  the  Redeemer. 
Show  to  every  one  of  us  His  fitness  and  His  fulness, 
and  make  every  one  of  us  to  rejoice  in  Him.  Let 
all  sorrows  and  trials  endear  Him  to  us  the  more. 
May  we  grow  up  into  Him  in  all  things,  and  do  all 
our  duties  and  bear  all  our  trials  in  the  strength 
He  gives  unto  His  people. 

0  God,  our  Lord,  we  cannot  tell  what  Thou  art- 
preparing  for  us  this  day.  Our  lives  are  in  Thy 
hands.  We  arc  content  that  they  should  be  in  Thy 
holy  keeping.  Help  us  in  all  such  duty  and  effort 
as  Thou  shalt  call  us  to  this  day,  and  maintain  in 
us,  we  pray  Thee,  a  single  eye  to  Thy  glory.  Grant 
us  the  discretion  with  which  good  men  manage 
their  affairs.  Keep  us  from  making  mistakes.  Oh, 
give  us  sound  judgment,  and  hopeful  spirits,  that 
we  may  not  grow  weary  in  well-doing ;  and  do 
Thou  crown  all  our  labors  with  Thy  blessing. 

Gracious  Lord,  who  hast  knit  us  together  as  tlie 
members  of  one  family,  help  us  to  promote  one 
another's  good,  to  bear  one  another's  burdens  and 
to  help  one  another.  Provide  for  all  our  wants  as 
a  household.  Let  us  not  desire  anything,  our  holy 
Father,  of  which  we  cannot  tell  Thee.  Let  us  thus 
have  happy  fellowship  with  Thee,  by  Thy  Spirit 
dwelling  in  us  ;  and  let  us  have  true  communion 


60  PRATERS. 

with  one  another  in  Jesus  Christ,  our  Lord  and 
Eedeemer.  And  unto  Him  that  is  able  to  keep  us 
from  falling,  and  to  present  us  faultless  before  the 
presence  of  His  glory  with  exceeding  joy,  to  the 
only  wise  God  our  Saviour,  be  glory  and  majesty, 
dominion  and  power,  both  now  and  ever.     Amen. 


L 


THURSDAY    EVEI^^ING. 

ORD  GOD  !  Thou  art  the  Preserver  of  all  men, 
especially  of  them  that  believe.  Thou  makest 
the  sun  to  shine  on  the  evil  and  the  good.  Thou 
hast  special  care  over  them  that  know  and  fear  Thee, 
*and  Thou  makest  all  things  to  work  together  for 
their  good.  Blessed  Lord,  we  should  not  have 
known  Thee  if  Thou  hadst  not  sought  us  out,  and 
restrained  us,  and  instructed  us  from  Thy  word. 
And  we  do  not  fear  Thee  as  we  should.  Even  this 
day  we  have  offended  against  Thee,  and  we  need 
Thy  forgiveness,  which  we  now  liumbly  ask,  through 
Christ  Jesus,  and  for  His  name's  sake. 

We  thank  Thee  for  Thy  goodness  to  us,  and  to 
all  mankind,  in  creating  and  in  bestowing  so  many 
blessings.  We  praise  Thee  for  Thy  goodness  to  us 
in  this  land,  where  we  enjoy  so  much  liberty,  and 
have  so  many  means  of  happiness.  Make  us,  and 
all  our  fellow-citizens,  truly  thankful ;  and  enable  us 
all  to  live  in  Thy  fear,  and  to  serve  Thee  in  truth 
and  righteousness.  Give  Thy  guidance  and  bless- 
ing to  the  President  of  these  United  States.     Guide 


P  BAYERS.  67 

those  who  are  appointed  for  the  making  and  execut- 
ing of  our  laws.  Drive  every  evil  thing  away  from 
among  us,  0  good  Lord,  and  make  us  a  happy, 
united,  and  God-fearing  people. 

We  adore  and  praise  Thee  for  Thy  saving  grace 
shown  to  Thy  church  in  Christ  Jesus,  her  living 
Head.  Thou  hast  given  Him  for  our  sins,  and  rais- 
ed Him  for  our  justification.  Thou  hast  set  Him  at 
Thy  right  hand.  May  each  of  us  be  of  His  body. 
Let  not  one  of  this  family,  0  God,  be  lost.  What 
should  it  profit  us,  0  Lord,  though  we  gained  the 
world,  and  lost  our  souls  ?  0  save  us,  for  Thy 
mercy's  sake,  in  Christ  Jesus  ;  and  let  us  be  at  last 
a  whole  family  in  heaven. 

Another  day  has  passed,  0  Lord ;  and  we  bless 
Thee  at  its  close,  and  thank  Thee  for  the  peace,  en- 
joyment, and  power  to  labor  it  brought  us.  What- 
ever we  have  tried  to  do  to  Thee  this  day,  0  Lord, 
accept.  Pardon  our  dull  afi'ections,  our  great  un- 
belief, our  secret  love  of  sin,  and  our  open  shortcom- 
ings ;  and  let  the  falls  and  errors  of  to-day  be  borne 
in  mind,  that  we  may  be  more  humble  and  watchful 
in  time  to  come. 

And  now  we  beseech  Thee  to  take  us  under  Thv 
divine  care  during  the  night.  Let  us  remember, 
as  we  lie  down,  how  soon  tlie  grave  shall  cover  us  ; 
and  let  us  be  assured  of  our  safety  in  Jesus  Christ, 
that  we  may  not  fear  death  and  the  grave. 

0  Thou  that  hearest  prayer,  we  thank  Thee  for 
the  communion  of  saints,  and  that  we  are  one  with 


68  PRAYERS. 

all  tliem  that  in  every  place  call  upon  Thee  in  Christ 
Jesus.  We  pray  for  all  our  brethren  in  Him — 
tliose  whom  we  know,  and  those  whom  we  shall  only 
know  in  heaven.  We  especially  beseech  Thee  to 
bless  those  with  whom  Thou  hast  united  us  on  earth. 
Bless  our  own  kindred,  and  let  us  have  grace  to 
help  one  another  as  one  in  Christ  Jesus.  Bless  our 
pastor,  and  make  him  a  blessing  to  all' his  flock. 
Give  zeal  and  wisdom  to  all  who  bear  office  in  the 
church  of  God.  Enrich  our  fellow-worshippers  with 
heavenly  gifts,  and  revive  true  religion  among  us. 

We  pray  for  all  Christians  in  sickness,  that  they 
may  be  healed  and  comforted,  or  carried  safely 
through  their  last  agony.  We  pray  for  all  mourn- 
ers, that  they  may  be  comforted  of  the  Holy  Ghost. 
We  pray  for  all  backsliders,  that  they  may  be  re- 
covered by  Thy  grace,  and  brought  with  us,  and 
Avith  all  Thy  true  people,  to  heaven,  through  the 
merits  of  Jesus  Christ,  our  only  Lord  and  Saviour. 
Amen. 

FRIDAY    MORNING. 

f~\  TITOU  holy  and  eternal  Father,  whose  crea- 
^^  tures  we  are,  and  by  whose  gracious  care  we 
are  preserved  in  being,  help  us  once  more  to  pre- 
sent to  Tliee  our  morning  prayer.  Not  in  our  own 
name,  but  in  the  name  of  Jesus  Christ,  Thy  well-be- 
loved Son,  do  we  come  before  Thy  Throne  of  Grace. 
For  His  sake  we  beseech  Thee  to  receive  us  gra- 


PBAYER8.  69 

ciousl}',  to  heal  our   backslidings,  and  to   love  us 
freely. 

With  our  hearts  we  thank  Thee  for  our  safe  keep- 
ing and  our  refreshing  sleep  during  the  past  night, 
and  for  the  use  of  all  our  active  powers  this  morning. 
Thou  hast  not  dealt  with  us  after  our  sins,  nor  re- 
warded us  according  to  our  iniquities.  Bless  the 
Lord,  0  our  souls,  and  forget  not  all  His  beneiits. 
May  we  all  feel  that  we  are  as  dependent  on  Thee 
now  when  raised  up,  and  going  forth  to  the  day's 
work,  as  we  were  when  we  lay  helpless  on  our  beds 
during  the  hours  of  darkness.  And  may  we  be 
sensible  of  our  obligations  as  well  as  of  our  depen- 
dence ;  and  willingly,  throughout  this  day  and  all 
the  days  of  our  life,  devote  every  power  of  body 
and  of  mind  to  Thee  in  grateful  and  loving  obedi- 
ence. 

Alas !  0  God,  we  have  to  confess  our  grievous 
short-coming  in  this  respect  in  the  past.  We  have 
not  loved  or  served  Thee  as  we  ought  to  have  done. 
We  have  been  imthankful  for  Thy  mercies,  disobe- 
dient to  Thy  commands,  and  indifferent  to  Thy  calls. 
Our  iniquities  are  increased  over  our  heads,  and  our 
trespass  is  grown  up  into  the  very  heavens :  we  arc 
ashamed,  and  blush  to  lift  up  our  face  to  Thee,  O 
our  God.  But  our  hope  is  in  Thy  mercy,  which  has 
borne  with  us  hitherto,  and  is  extended  to  us  still. 
We  humbly  look  to  Jesus,  whom  Thou  hast  set  forth 
to  be  the  propitiation  for  our  sins,  in  whom  believ- 
ing, Thou  hast  assured  us,  the  guilty  obtain  forgive- 


70  PRATERS. 

ness,  and  the  weary  find  rest.  We  take  refuge  from 
Thy  wrath,  and  from  our  own  unrighteousness,  in 
His  precious  blood  and  finished  righteousness.  We 
desire  with  all  our  hearts,  to  accept  Him  as  made 
of  Thee  unto  us  wisdom,  and  righteousness,  and 
sanctification,  and  redemption.  We  rejoice  to  think 
that  we  are  complete  in  Him.  And  we  pray  to  be 
enabled  to  prove  in  our  experience  the  efficacy  of 
His  death  and  resurrection  to  the  uttermost.  Anx- 
ious as  we  are  to  be  pardoned,  we  would  be  no  less 
anxious  for  purification  and  cleansing. 

Grant  us  all  Thy  grace  to  the  discharge  of  the 
duties  to  which  we  are  called  this  day.  Make  us 
diligent  in  business,  fervent  in  spirit,  serving  the 
Lord.  Whatever  our  hand  findeth  to  do,  may  we 
do  it  with  our  might.  Turn  our  hearts  from  that 
covetousness  which  is  idolatry.  In  our  intercourse 
with  our  fellow-men  enable  us  to  be  meek,  and  for- 
giving, and  kind,  esteeming  others  better  than  our- 
selves. If  at  any  time  we  are  provoked  by  the  self- 
ishness of  our  neighbors,  let  us  not  yield  to  wrath 
or  revenge,  neither  give  place  to  the  devil,  but  con- 
sider Him  who  endured  such  contradiction  of  sin- 
ners against  Himself,  lest  we  weary  and  faint  in 
our  minds.  Under  whatever  ills  we  may  be  call- 
ed to  bear,  let  us  possess  our  souls  in  patience,  and 
endure  as  seeing  Him  who  is  invisible.  If  at  any 
time  we  are  in  doubt  what  course  to  take,  may  our 
heart  turn  upward  with  the  prayer  "  Lord,  what 
wilt  Thou  have  us  to  do?"     Save  us  from  the  com- 


PRAYERS.  71 

panionship  of  the  wicked  and  from  the  counsel 
of  the  foolish.  May  we  embrace  every  opportunity 
of  doing  good  to  the  bodies  and  the  souls  of  men, 
and  abstain  from  whatever  is  fitted  to  give  them 
pain  or  do  them  harm.  And  knowing  tlmt  we  can- 
not boast  ourselves  of  the  morrow,  may  the  work 
assigned  to  this  day  be  done  in  its  season.  When- 
soever death  shall  overtake  us,  may  it  find  us  as 
faithful  servants,  waiting  for  the  coming  of  our 
Lord. 

We  pray  for  all  who  are  in  affliction  this  morning. 
Consider  their  affliction  and  their  pain,  and  forgive 
all  their  sins.  When  Thou  hast  tried  them,  may 
they  come  forth  as  gold.  May  Thy  Holy  Spirit  so 
bring  home  to  them  the  truths  of  the  glorious  Gos- 
pel, that  their  hearts,  if  hardened,  may  be  broken 
into  repentance,  and,  if  broken,  may  be  bound  up 
and  healed.  Comfort  the  bereaved  and  the  mourner, 
succor  the  poor  and  needy.  In  Thee  let  the  widow 
and  the  fatherless  find  mercy.  Prepare  the  diseased 
and  dying  for  their  great  change.  Show  kindness 
and  do  good  to  Zion,  Thine  own  hill.  Make  Thy 
church  a  praise  in  all  the  earth.  Soon  may  all  men 
know  the  joyful  sound,  and  all  nations  whom  Thou 
hast  made  come  and  worship  before  Thee,  and  glo- 
rify Thy  name. 

All  we  ask  is  in  the  name  of  Jesus  Christ,  our 
Lord  and  Redeemer.     Amen. 


72  P  BAYERS. 

FRIDAY    EVENING. 

OLORD,  Thou  art  great,  and  doest  wondrous 
things.  Thou  art  God  alone.  Among  the 
gods  there  is  none  like  Thee,  neither  are  there  any 
works  like  unto  Thy  works.  Thou  doest  all  things 
according  to  Thy  pleasure,  and  all  that  Thou  doest 
is  wise  and  good.  Thy  mercy  is  in  the  heavens, 
and  Thy  truth  reacheth  unto  the  clouds.  With  un- 
feigned submission  to  Thy  authority,  and  reverence 
for  Thy  majesty,  and  gratitude  for  Thy  goodness, 
do  we.  Thy  unworthy  and  sinful  creatures,  come  be- 
fore Thy  footstool  to-night.  Oh,  help  us  to  praise 
Thee  with  joyful  hearts,  and  to  exalt  Thy  name  to- 
gether. 

To  Thee,  by  whom  our  wants  have  been  this  day 
supplied,  and  our  lives  preserved,  and  our  souls 
delivered  from  death,  do  we  offer  our  evening  wor- 
ship. We  adore  and  give  thanks.  Oh,  that  all  men 
to  whom  these  great  and  undeserved  mercies  have 
been  given  in  common  with  ourselves,  would  praise 
the  Lord  for  His  goodness  and  for  His  wonderful 
works  unto  the  children  of  men  !  All  that  Thy  pure 
eyes  have  seen  amiss  in  our  actions,  our  motives, 
and  our  tempers,  graciously  forgive.  We  rejoice  to 
know  that  if  we  confess  our  sins,  Thou  art  faithful 
and  just  to  forgive  us  our  sins,  and  to  cleanse  us 
from  all  unrighteousness.  Well  may  we  tremble, 
because  of  our  exposure  to  Thy  wrath  and  curse ; 
but,  thanks  be  to  Thy  name,  Thou  hast  told  us,  in 


PRATERS.  '73 

Thy  word,  of  the  great  love  wherewitli  Thou  hast 
loved  us,  even  when  we  were  dead  in  sin,  in  sending 
Thy  Son  to  suffer  and  die  in  our  stead,  that  we 
might  have  redemption  through  His  blood,  and 
enter  into  life  eternal.  Thanks  be  unto  God  for 
this  unspeakable  gift. 

Lord,  help  us  to  do  all  that  in  us  lies  to  adorn 
His  doctrine,  to  advance  His  cause,  and  to  promote 
the  honor  of  His  name.  Knowing  His  preciousness 
in  our  own  experience,  may  we  commend  Him  to 
our  fellow-men.  May  we  look  on  this  world  as  He 
looks  on  it :  love  it  with  His  love,  and  long  for  its 
conversion  with  somewhat  of  His  yearning  com- 
passion. Bring  down,  0  God,  all  that  is  opposed 
to  the  progress  of  Christ's  gospel.  Destroy  every 
form  of  superstition  and  idolatry  that  exists.  Put 
the  wicked  in  fear.  Let  not  the  needy  be  alway 
forgotten,  nor  the  expectation  of  the  poor  perish  for 
ever.  Bring  Thy  sons  from  far,  and  Thy  daughters 
from  the  ends  of  the  earth.  Oh,  that  the  salvation 
of  Israel  were  come  out  of  Zion  ! 

To  thy  watchful  care,  0  God  of  our  life,  we  com- 
mend us  all  through  the  silent  hours  of  the  night. 
Keep  us  all  as  the  apple  of  Thine  eye.  Abiding  in  the 
secret  place  of  the  Most  High,  and  lying  down  under 
the  shadow  of  the  Almighty,  may  ours  be  the  sleep  of 
Thy  beloved.  Thou  who  hast  delivered  us  from  the 
destruction  that  wasteth  at  noon-day,  save  us  also, 
we  beseech  Thee,  from  the  pestilence  that  walketh 
in  darkness.     May  all  whom  we  love  be  precious  in 

4: 


74  PRATERS. 

Thy  sight,  and  wherever  they  are,  Lord,  let  Thine 
angel  encamp  about  them  to  defend  from  all  ill. 
Have  mercy  on  all  who  are  racked  with  pain,  and 
who  will  seek  for  rest  but  find  none.  Be  kind  to 
their  frail  and  suffering  bodies,  and  save  their 
immortal  souls.  Be  gracious  to  all  those  to  whom 
this  night  is  to  be  the  last  on  earth.  May  they  be 
in  Christ  as  their  Refuge  and  Saviour  before  they 
appear  in  His  presence  as  their  Judge. 

If  it  please  Thee,  spare  us  to  see  the  light  of  a  new 
day,  and  raise  us  up  strengthened  both  in  body  and 
mind  for  the  duties  of  the  morrow,  to  Thy  glory  and 
praise.  But  if  it  should  be  otherwise,  may  the 
angels  who  minister  to  the  heirs  of  salvation,  bear 
our  souls  home  to  the  bosom  of  our  Lord.  As  for 
us,  may  w^e  behold  Thy  face  in  righteousness,  may 
^ve  be  satisfied  when  we  awake  with  Thy  likeness. 
Whether  we  Avake  or  sleep,  we  would  make  this 
our  rejoicing,  that  Thou  wilt  show  us  the  path  of 
life,  and  that  in  Thy  presence  is  fulness  of  joy,  and 
at  Thy  right  hand  are  pleasures  for  evermore. 

Let  these  our  prayers  come  before  Thee  as  in- 
cense and  the  lifting  up  of  our  hands  as  the  even- 
ing sacrifice,  for  Jesu's  sake.     Amen. 

SATURDAY   MORNIKG. 

TERCIFUL  and  Blessed  Father,  whose  preserv- 
ing care  has  been  over  us  through  the  past 
night,  receive  our  thanks  this  morning.     Give  us 


PRAYERS.  75 

grace  to  offer  the  sacrifice  of  praise  unto  Thee. 
Help  us  as  a  family  to  cherish  becoming  gratitude 
to  Thee  for  lives  lengthened,  for  health  spared,  and 
for  raiment,  food,  and  shelter.  In  the  home  Thou 
hast  given  us  enable  us  so  to  enjoy  Thy  good  gifts, 
that  we  may  glorify  Thee,  the  Giver  of  them  all. 

0  Lord,  our  Heavenly  Father,  we  own  that  we 
are  not  worthy  to  claim  one,  even  the  least,  of  these 
benefits.  If  we  say  or  think  that  we  have  no  sin, 
we  deceive  ourselves.  We  have  gone  astray  like 
lost  sheep.  Our  hearts  have  often  been  closed 
against  Christ  and  open  to  His  enemies.  Our  words 
have  often  been  rash,  scornful,  and  proud.  By  our 
words  we  might  well  be  condemned.  In  our  lives 
we  have  not  honored  Thee  ;  we  have  been  turned 
aside  from  doing  Thy  will  by  the  fear  of  man,  and 
by  the  love  of  sin.  We  confess  these  sins  before 
Thee.  We  pray  for  forgiveness  through  that  only 
atonement,  of  which  Thy  word  speaks  to  us  ;  and 
we  ask  Thy  grace,  for  Christ's  sake,  to  enable  us  to 
forsake  these  sins,  and  follow  after  holiness. 

And  now,  most  blessed  Father,  who  hast  settled 
our  lot  in  life,  and  given  us  far  more  than  we  had 
any  right  to  expect,  give  us  contentment,  that  we 
may  not  dishonour  Thee,  or  disquiet  ourselves  in 
vain.  Give  us,  we  likewise  beseech  of  Thee,  a 
true  knowledge  of  what  Thou  dost  require  of  us, 
and  make  us  diligent  and  faithful  both  to  Thee,  our 
Master  in  heaven,  and  to  our  fellow-men  upon  earth. 
May  that  gracious  Lord,  who  for  us  became  poor. 


76  PRAYERS. 

and  lived  among  poor  men,  be  with  our  spirits 
wliile  we  are  engaged  about  the  work  of  the  day. 
May  we  receive  help  from  Thee,  through  Him,  to 
work  with  our  hands  the  thing  which  is  good,  and 
to  do  all  with  a  single  eye  to  thy  glory. 

0  merciful  Lord,  we  are  in  great  need  of  spirit- 
ual blessings.  Our  love  to  Thee  is  cold  :  we  pray 
Thee  to  increase  it.  Our  faith  is  weak  :  we  beseech 
Thee  to  strengthen  it.  And,  0  Lord,  do  not  leave 
any  of  us,  or  any  of  our  friends,  among  the  enemies 
of  Christ.  May  they  and  we  be  reconciled  to  Thee 
through  tlie  Redeemer,  and  have  forgiveness 
through  His  blood.  Thou  hast  bronght  us  to  the 
last  day  of  this  week.  Help  us  so  to  spend  our  lives 
that  when  their  last  day  shall  come,  we  shall  have 
nothing  to  do  but  to  fall  asleep  in  Christ  Jesus, 
assured  that  our  life  is  hid  with  Christ  in  God. 

We  implore  Thy  blessing  upon  all  men.  Give 
patience  to  the  poor,  and  enrich  them  with  spiritual 
blessing^.  Succor  all  the  distressed,  and  direct 
the  ignorant  into  the  way  of  peace.  Lord,  look  in 
pity  upon  heathen  lands.  Pity  those  whose  gods 
cannot  hear  and  help  them.  Reveal  Thyself  unto 
them  in  Jesus  Christ.  Make  Thy  way  known  unto 
all  men,  and  fill  the  earth  with  peace  and  righteous- 
ness. 0  God,  our  Father,  hear  us  in  these  peti- 
tions, for  the  sake  of  Christ,  our  Redeemer.     Amen. 


PRATERS.  77 

SATURDAY    EVENING. 

OLORD,  Thou  hast  been  the  dwelling-place  of 
Thy  people  through  all  generations.  The 
poor  have  cried  unto  Thee,  and  have  been  delivered. 
Our  fathers  trusted  in  Thee,  and  were  not  put  to 
shame.  Not  one  word  has  failed  of  all  that  Thou 
hast  spoken  concerning  Thy  people.  "We,  too,  can 
declare  that  Thou  art  good  and  doest  good.  We 
join  together  in  praising  Thee.  Thy  hand  has  been 
opened  wide,  and  Thou  hast  supplied  all  our  wants. 

0  Father,  it  is  meet  that  we  should  praise  Thee. 
We  worship  Thee,  our  Lord.  We  join  our  voices 
with  those  of  the  angels,  and  glorify  Theo  for  Thy 
love.  We  adore  Thee,  the  Holy  One,  God  in 
Christ,  revealed  to  us  by  the  Holy  Ghost.  We  are 
thankful  unto  Thee  that  Thy  Son,  one  with  Thee, 
equal  in  power  and  glory,  became  man  for  us.  We 
believe  in  the  Holy  Ghost,  one  with  Thee,  0  Father, 
and  with  Thy  Son.  May  we  receive  strength  from 
Thee,  to  honor  Thee  all  the  days  of  our  lives  ;  and 
in  the  life  to  come,  let  it  be  given  us  to  serve  Thee 
for  ever. 

Accept  our  thanks,  good  Lord,  for  the  blessings 
of  the  week  now  closing.  Pardon  all  the  evils  we 
have  done.  Let  not  the  guilt  of  our  sins  rest  on 
our  consciences  ;  but  let  us  in  repentance  and  faith 
close  the  week  at  peace  with  Thee  in  Christ,  and  at 
peace  with  all  our  fellow-men. 

All  prosperity  cometh  from  Thee,  0  Lord.     Es- 


78  PRAYERS. 

tablish  and  prosper  the  work  of  our  hands.  Do  for 
us  as  Thou  didst  for  Joseph  long  ago.  Make  a 
blessing  to  go  wherever  we  are.  Do  good  in  Thy 
good  pleasure  to  all  who  do  us  good,  or  intend  good 
unto  us.  Return  their  kindnesse  sevnfold  into  their 
own  bosoms.  If  any  are  enemies  to  us,  help  us 
to  forgive  them  when  we  know  it,  and  do  Thou, 
Lord,  forgive  them  and  turn  their  hatred  into  good- 
will, for  all  hearts  are  in  Thy  hand. 

Heavenly  Father,  we  have  come  now  to  the  eve 
of  the  Sabbath.  As  we  lay  aside  our  daily  toils, 
and  take  rest  for  our  bodies,  help  us.  Lord,  also  to 
lay  aside  all  worldly  cares,  and  all  thoughts  about 
our  lawful  business,  that  we  may  on  the  morrow 
worship  and  serve  Thee  with  all  our  strength  and 
all  our  minds.  Make  the  day  of  rest  a  day  of  joy 
and  gladness  to  us,  and  to  all  whom  we  love,  and 
prepare  us  and  them  for  the  eternal  Sabbath. 

0  Lord,  who  hast  given  the  church  and  the  min- 
istry to  us,  be  with  Thy  servant  our  minister,  and 
with  all  true  preachers  of  Christ's  holy  Gospel. 
May  their  spirits  be  taught  and  purified  by  the  Holy 
Ghost,  that  they  may  minister  the  truth  unto  Thy 
people.  And,  0  Lord  of  the  harvest,  send  forth 
many  faithful  laborers  into  the  world,  and  gather 
the  precious  wheat  into  the  garner  of  the  Lord 
Jesus. 

Heavenly  Father,  we  beseech  Thee  on  behalf  of 
all  the  children  of  men,  who  are  in  danger  or  diffi- 
culty.    Many  to-night  are  journeying  far  from  the 


I 


PRAYERS,  79 

comforts  of  home  as  we  enjoy  tliem,  and  many  are 
on  the  sea.  0  Lord,  help  them  to  look  up  to  Thee, 
and  do  Thou  turn  upon  them  Thine  eyes,  and  give 
them  peace  and  safety.  Many,  0  Lord,  who  love 
Thee  are  in  sorrow.  Oh,  that  they  may  be  comfort- 
ed with  the  comfort  of  the  Holy  Ghost !  They  are 
one  with  us,  though  we  know  them  not,  and  we 
plead  on  their  behalf.  When  they  walk  through  the 
waters,  be  Thou,  Lord,  with  them.  Spare  those, 
Lord,  who  are  not  fit  to  die,  and  cheer  Thy  children 
as  they  pass  through  the  dark  valley. 

Many  of  our  fellow-sinners,  0  Lord,  are  in  the 
midst  of  temptation.  Lord,  deliver  them.  Bless 
the  societies  that  labor  for  the  good  of  our  race. 
Favor  every  society  of  this  kind  with  which  we 
are  connected,  either  by  giving  or  receiving,  and 
make  it  the  means  of  much  and  lasting  good.  Crown 
the  efforts  of  every  Christian  worker  with  Thy 
blessing.  0  Lord,  turn  not  away  Thine  ear  from 
our  prayer  and  intercession,  and  what  we  fail  in 
asking,  fail  not  Thou,  good  Lord,  to  grant,  for 
Christ's  sake.     Amen. 


SECOND   FORTNIGHT. 


SUNDAY  MORNING. 

r\  ALMIGHTY  God,  the  God  of  the  Spirits  of 
^-^  all  flesh,  in  whom  we  live,  and  move,  and  have 
our  being  ;  who  hast  preserved  us  all  our  life  long, 
and  brought  us  to  the  beginning  of  this  day  in 
safety  :  we  come  into  Thy  presence,  trusting  to  the 
multitude  of  Thy  mercies,  through  the  merits  and 
mediation  of  Jesus,  Thy  beloved  Son. 

0  our  God !  we  acknowledge  that  we  are  unwor- 
thy even  to  speak  unto  Thee.  We  have  provoked 
Thee  to  anger  by  our  sins.  We  have  grievously  de- 
parted from  Tliee.  We  have  neglected  Thy  word, 
rejected  the  Gospel  of  Thy  Son,  and  profaned  Thy 
holy  Sabbaths.  Yet  now,  0  Lord,  for  the  sake  of 
Jesus,  look  upon  us  with  compassion  ;  and  as  Thou 
hast  granted  us  the  privilege  of  another  Sabbath, 
grant  us  Thy  Holy  Spirit,  that  we  may  worship 
Thee,  this  day,  in  Spirit  and  in  truth. 

We  grieve  to  think  how  often  we  have  offered  to 
Thee  the  sacrifice  of  fools,  and  drawn  near  to  Thee 

with  our  lips,  while  our  hearts  were  far  from  Thee. 

(80) 


PRAYERS.  81 

Teach  us  how  to  pray,  we  beseech  Thee.  0  our 
Father,  fulfil  Thy  promise,  and  give  to  us  Thy  Holy 
Spirit.  Put  life  and  energy  into  all  the  services  of  this 
day ;  that  we  may  enjoy  Thy  presence,  in  all  we  do, 
or  hear,  or  say.  Manifest  Tliyself  to  our  souls.  Meet 
us  in  Thy  house  of  prayer ;  and  so  bless  us,  and 
sanctify  to  us  every  means  of  grace,  that  this  day 
may  be  to  us  an  earnest  of  the  rest  that  remaineth 
for  the  people  of  God. 

Accept  our  gratefid  thanks,  0  Lord,  for  unnum- 
bered mercies  which  we  have  received — for  health, 
while  many  are  suffering  from  sickness — for  food 
and  raiment,  while  others  are  in  need  of  both.  But 
above  all,  would  we  bless  and  praise  Thee,  for  the 
gift  of  Thy  beloved  Son,  Jesus.  Oh,  that  we  may  this 
day  learn  to  love  Him  more.  May  the  preaching  of 
His  Gospel  be  accompanied  by  the  power  of  the 
Holy  Ghost  to  our  hearts,  revealing  Him  to  us,  and 
showing  us  more  of  His  loveliness  and  beauty,  than 
we  ever  discovered  before.  Lord,  we  Avould  see 
Jesus  ;  we  would  feed  on  Jesus  ;  we  would  enjoy 
the  blessedness  of  spiritual  union  with  Him,  our 
risen  Head. 

We  plead  with  Thee,  0  Lord,  for  those  to  whom 
Thou  hast  committed  the  ministry  of  Thy  word,  and 
who  shall  stand  up  in  thy  name  this  day,  to  preach  the 
Gospel  of  Thy  grace.  Do  Thou  break  the  bread  of 
life,  and  bless  it,  and  give  it  in  their  hands,  that 
they  may  deal  it  out  to  those  precious  souls  over 
whom  Thou  hast  placed  them.  Enable  them  to  trust 
4* 


82  PR  A  YER8. 

more  to  the  teaching  of  Thy  Spirit,  than  to  the  words 
of  man's  wisdom.  Especially  bless  him  to  whom 
we  this  day  look  for  instruction  ;  and  grant  that  a 
word  in  season  may  be  conveyed  to  our  souls,  to 
quicken  us  to  increased  devotedness,  and  to  higher 
enjoyment  of  the  things  of  God.  Open  the  treasury 
of  Thy  grace,  0  Lord,  and  satisfy  us  with  Thy  ful- 
ness. So  remove  every  cloud  of  ignorance  and  un- 
belief, that  we  may  see  Thee  in  the  fulness  of  Thy 
glory  ;  and  so  delight  ourselves  in  Tliee,  that  every 
thing  on  earth  may  lose  its  glory,  by  reason  of  the 
glory  that  excelleth.  So  shall  .this  Sabbath  be  to 
us  a  blessed  foretaste  of  the  joys  to  come. 

In  the  name  of  Jesus  we  ask  these  blessings.  For 
His  sake  give  more  than  we  desire  or  deserve.  And 
to  Him,  with  Thyself,  and  the  eternal  Spirit,  be  all 
honor  and  glory,  for  ever.     Amen. 

SUNDAY    EVENING. 

(~\  EVER  blessed  Lord,who  hast  revealed  Thyself 
^-^  in  Jesus  as  a  merciful  God,  able  and  willing 
to  save  them  to  the  uttermost  that  come  unto  Thee 
by  Him,  we  now  draw  near  in  His  name. 

"VVe  acknowledge  and  bewail  our  manifold  sins 
and  wickedness  which  we,  from  time  to  time,  have 
committed,  by  thought,  word,  and  deed,  against  Thy 
divine  majesty,  provoking  most  justly  Thy  wrath  and 
indignation  against  us.  We  do  earnestly  repent, 
and  are  heartily  sorry  for  these  our  misdoings.  We 


PRATERS.  83 

grieve  that  we  have  not  loved  Thee  with  all  our 
heart,  with  all  our  mincl,  with  all  our  soul,  and 
with  all  our  strength.  Our  worship  of  Thee  has 
been  marked  by  iniirmity  ;  and  imperfection  has  ap- 
peared in  our  holiest  acts  of  devotion.  We  betake 
ourselves  to  Jesus.  We  come  to  the  cleansinor 
fountain  of  His  blood,  to  be  washed  from  the  defile- 
ment of  the  day.  We  come  to  lay  hold  upon  His 
strength,  renouncing  all  self-dependence  ;  and,  in 
the  full  conviction  of  our  utter  unworthiness,  to 
receive  that  blessing  from  Thee,  which,  for  His 
worthiness.  Thou  wilt  bestow.  Our  Father,  hear  us. 
We  would  rejoice  that  the  whole  burden  of  our  sin 
has  been  laid  upon  Jesus,  who  was  made  sin  for  us. 
We  would  now  receive  the  blessing,  which  by  His 
Gospel  has  been  made  known  to  us  this  day,  that 
Jesus  being  our  Advocate — Jesus  our  Mediator — 
Jesus  our  atoning  Priest — our  conscience  may  be 
eased  of  the  burden  of  sin  ;  so  that  we  may  lie  down 
in  peace,  and  in  the  assured  hope,  that  if  death 
should  visit  us  before  the  morning's  light,  we  should 
be  found  accepted  in  Jesus. 

We  beseech  of  Thee,  0  blessed  Lord,  to  pour  upon 
us  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  to  give  effect  to  Thy  word 
which  we  have  this  day  heard.  The  seed  has 
been  sown  in  our  hearts  ;  but  in  vain  shall  we  have 
received  it,  unless  Thou  follow  it  with  Thy  blessing. 
Do  thou  command  the  clouds  that  they  so  rain  upon 
us,  that  our  hard  hearts  may  be  softened  ;  that  the 
seed  sowed  may  be  nourished  ;  and  that  an  abund- 


84  PBAYEBS. 

ant  increase  be  produced.  Thouliast  said,  "  Whoso- 
ever will,  let  him  take  of  the  water  of  life  freely." 
Give  it  us,  we  pray  Thee,  for  the  sake  of  Jesus  ; 
that  so  Thy  glory  may  be  revealed  to  us,  and  our 
hearts  may  rejoice  in  the  possession  of  Thy  love. 
For  Thee  we  wish  to  live  ;  in  Thee  we  wish  to  die  ; 
keep  us  ever  near  unto  Thee,  and  allow  us  to  walk 
in  the  light  of  Thy  countenance.  0  precious  Saviour, 
our  risen  and  exalted  Head,  take  us  into  more  close 
and  happy  union  with  Thyself,  and  nourish  our  souls 
with  thy  Spirit  from  day  to  day. 

And,  0  Lord,  wC  would  remember  before  Thee 
those  who  have  been  engaged  this  day  in  the  min- 
istry, or  teaching  of  Thy  holy  word.  Strengthen 
them  with  the  food  which  they  have  prepared  for 
others  ;  and  enable  them  to  exhibit  an  example  of 
those  precepts,  which  they  have  labored  to  teach. 
Pardon  those  who  have  run,  unsent,  into  the 
shepherd's  office,  and  have  taken  on  them  to  preach 
a  Saviour,  of  whom  they  are  ignorant.  0  Lord, 
awaken  them ;  0  Lord,  convert  them ;  and  rescue 
Thy  people  from  the  curse  of  an  unfaithful  ministrj^ 

And  now.  Lord,  we  commend  ourselves  to  Thy 
care  and  keeping.  Watch  over  us  during  the  night. 
Preserve  us  from  all  dangers  both  of  body  and  soul. 
Refresh  our  weary  bodies  with  needful  rest :  and 
if  a  new  day  be  added  to  our  lives,  enable  us  to 
show  that  we  have  not  been  forgetful  hearers  of  Thy 
word,  but,  by  Thy  blessing,  may  we  be  doers  of  it. 

Hear  us,  for  the  sake  of  Him,  through  whom  alone 


PRAYERS.  ^        85 

we  can  expect  an  answer  to  our  prayers,  or  accept- 
ance of  our  tlianksgivings — the  Lord  Jesus  Christ ; 
to  whom,  with  Thee  and  the  Holy  Ghost,  be  ascribed, 
as  is  most  due,  everlasting  praise.     Amen. 

MONDAY    MORNING. 

"OLESSED  Lord,  who  hast  renewed  Thy  mercies 
^^  to  us  this  morning,  and  hast  raised  us  up  to 
see  the  light  of  another  day,  unto  Thee  do  we  lift  up 
our  souls  in  prayer,  while  we  bow  ourselves  before 
Thy  throne  of  grace.  Adored  be  Thy  mercy  which 
has  provided  a  way  of  acceptance  for  us,  mis- 
erable sinners,  through  Jesus,  the  Son  of  Thy  love. 
Adored  be  that  goodness  which  allows  us  to  come 
to  Thee,Avith  boldness,  and  to  enter  into  the  holiest 
by  the  blood  of  Jesus.  Through  Him  we  come — 
through  Him  we  pray  ;  for  His  sake,  hear  and 
answer  us. 

0  our  God,  we  are  ashamed,  and  blush  to  lift  up 
our  faces  before  Thee,  for  our  iniquities  have  in- 
creased over  our  heads,  and  our  trespass  has  grown 
up  into  the  heavens.  We  are  ungrateful  children — 
rebellious  children  ;  and  Thou  art  a  lono;sufferin<>: 
and  most  merciful  Father.  But,  0  Lord,  we  desire 
not  to  persist  in  ingratitude,  or  rebellion.  "We  hate 
ourselves  on  account  of  them  ;  but  we  are  so  tied 
and  bound  with  the  chain  of  our  sins,  that  we  can- 
not follow  Thee  as  we  desire.  We  therefore  come  to 
Thee  this  morning,  pleading  Thy  promise,  through 


86        ,  PRAYERS. 

Jesus,  that  Thou  wilt  give  tlie  Holy  Spirit  to  them 
that  ask.  Lord,  "we  ask  it.  With  all  our  heart  aiul 
soul  we  ask  it ;  for  it  is  only  as  Thou  dost  endue  us 
with  power  from  on  high,  that  we  shall  be  enabled 
to  resist  the  temptatious  of  the  world,  the  flesh,  and 
the  devil.  We  have  labored  in  our  own  strength 
to  conquer  sin,  and  have  failed.  Our  flesh  cleaveth 
upon  the  earth.  Though  bound  to  Thee  by  every  tie 
of  gratitude,  yet  our  affections  will  not  dwell  upon 
Thee.  Though  once  warm  in  Thy  service,  we  again 
grow  cold  and  forsake  Thee.  0  our  Father — our 
loving  Father — our  compassionate  Father, — have 
pity  upon  Thy  poor  weak  children,  who  are  struggling 
to  love  and  serve  Thee,  in  the  midst  of  a  world  of 
sin  and  iniquity.  We  earnestly  desire  to  overcome 
sin,  yet  have  no  power  to  do  so.  But  we  bless  and 
praise  Thee,  that  Thou  hast  made  provision  for  our 
wants,  and  thatThou  hast  promised  that  Thy  strength 
shall  be  made  perfect  in  our  weakness.  Lord,  endue 
us  with  the  Holy  Spirit,  for  all  the  purposes  of  holi- 
ness, and  growth  in  grace,  and  subduing  of  the 
flesh,  and  mortifying  carnal  desires,  and  enjoyment 
of  spiritual  things,  that  we  may  abound  in  the  work 
and  enjoyment  of  the  Lord. 

We  are  now  entering  upon  the  new  week,  0 
Lord,  and  we  desire  to  be  more  devoted  to  Thee — 
to  come  out  from  the  world  and  to  be  separate — to 
war  against  every  thing  that  may  rolj  us  of  our 
peace,  or  provoke  Thee  to  withdraw  from  us  the 
light  of  Thy  countenance.     We  wish  to  live  to  Thv 


PRAYERS.  87 

glory,  and  to  walk  with  thee  all  the  day  long.  But 
who  is  sufficient  for  these  things  ?  Lord,  we  are 
not,  but  Thy  Spirit  can  enable  us.  Give  us,  then, 
the  Holy  Ghost  in  all  the  power  which  we  are  en- 
titled to  ask  for,  and  which  Thou  seest  right  to  be- 
stow. Make  lis  holy.  Stamp  thine  image  upon  our 
hearts  ;  and  enable  us  to  manifest  the  life  of  godli- 
ness. We  bless  Thee  for  any  enjoyment  we  have 
had  in  spiritual  things.  We  praise  Thee  even  for 
the  desire  to  serve  Thee  ]  and  we  beseech  of  Thee  to 
strengthen  us  to  follow,  what  Thou  hast  taught  us  to 
love. 

But,  0  Lord,  if  there  be  any  amongst  us  who  are 
yet  strangers  to  these  precious  truths  ;  who  are  yet 
living  in  the  indulgence  of  sin  ;  for  Jesus'  sake  have 
mercy  upon  them.  Open  their  eyes  to  see  their 
danger.  Open  their  eyes  to  see  the  sacrifice  for  sin, 
in  the  blood  of  Jesus,  and  the  remedy  for  the  love 
Of  sin,  in  the  regenerating  and  sanctifying  power 
of  the  Holy  Ghost, 

From  all  the  temptations  to  which  we  may  this 
day  be  exposed,  good  Lord  preserve  us.  Keep  us 
humble  ;  distrustful  of  ourselves,  but  confident  of 
strength  in  Thee.  Let  us  not  run  into  forbidden 
ways,  nor  expect  protection  but  in  the  path  of  duty. 
Grant  these  our  petitions,  0  Lord,  for  the  sake  of 
Jesus  Christ.     Amen. 


88  PRAYERS. 

MONDAY    EVENING. 

'ITTE  come  before  Thee  this  Evcaing,  0  gracious 
^  ^  Lord,  under  a  consciousness  of  our  sinful- 
ness, and  of  thine  exceeding  holiness.  Thou  art  the 
Holy  One.  Thou  canst  not  bear  iniquity.  To  the 
cleansing  fountain  of  the  Saviour's  blood  do  we 
come.  We  would  there  wash,  and  be  clean  ;  and 
upon  the  altar  of  His  merits,  present  this,  our  even- 
ing sacrifice  of  prayer  and  praise. 

Thy  goodness  has  spared  us  through  another  day. 
We  come  to  Thee  to  render  an  account  of  our 
stewardship,  and  to  tell  Thee  how  we  have  this  day 
been  engaged  in  Thy  service.  Lord,  Thou  knowest 
all  before  we  speak  ;  yet  would  we  tell  Thee  :  we 
would  conceal  nothing — deny  nothing.  We  are 
verily  guilty  before  Thee.  Our  own  consciences 
accuse  us  of  having  left  undone  what  we  might  have 
done,  and  having  done  what  we  should  not  have 
done.  Lord,  we  cry  unto  Thee  for  the  Holy  Spirit, 
that  we  may  be  kept  close  to  Thee,  and  that  we  may 
have  that  continued  spiritual  mind  which  is  joy 
and  peace.  May  the  Spirit  be  in  us  as  a  well  of 
water,  springing  up  into  everlasting  life,  enriching 
us  with  the  knowledge  and  love  of  Jesus  ;  and 
taking  of  His  glory,  and  showing  it  unto  us.  All  our 
happiness,  0  blessed  Jesus,  is  gone,  if  thou  dost 
hide  Thyself ;  and  without  the  light  of  the  Spirit  we 
cannot  see  thee.  We  wish  to  see  Thee — to  live  upon 
Thee — to  feed  upon  Thee.  Oh,  may  Thy  love  be  shed 


PRA  TEES.  89 

abroad  in  our  licarts  by  the  Holy  Gliost,  that  our 
love  to  Thee  may  be  perfect,  engaging  our  best 
affections,  and  employing  all  our  powers  of  mind 
and  body  in  Thy  service.  Thou  didst  love  us,  when 
we  cared  not  for  Thee  ;  yea,  when  by  wicked  works 
we  were  Thine  enemies.  Oh,  break  Thou  these  hard 
and  flintv  hearts,  which  refuse  to  melt  at  the  re- 
membrance  of  Thy  love  ;  and  so  take  possession  of 
us,  tliat  every  thought,  and  word,  and  action,  may 
be  brought  into  captivity  to  Thine  obedience. 

Hemove  from  us  all  envying,  and  strife,  and 
divisions,  and  whatever  belongs  to  that  carnal 
mind,  which  is  enmity  against  Thee  ;  and  grant  that 
the  fruit  of  the  Spirit  may  abound  in  us  to  Thy 
glory,  and  to  our  great  joy.  Make  us  humble,  lowly 
in  our  own  eyes,  esteeming  others  better  than  our- 
selves. Enable  us  to  adorn  the  doctrine  of  God  our 
Saviour  in  all  things.  Strengthen  the  faith  of  those 
amongst  us  to  whom  thou  hast  already  bestowed  it ; 
and  give  it,  for  the  sake  of  the  Lord  Jesus,  to  those 
who  have  it  not.  Oh,  let  none  of  us  be  deceived 
concerning  our  souls'  salvation  ;  nor  allow  us  to 
hope  well  of  ourselves,  while  that  hope  is  not  found- 
ed upon  the  sacrifice  of  Jesus.  Show  us  our  real 
state  and  character.  Take  away  every  false  prop 
upon  which  we  have  leaned,  and  establish  us 
upon  Jesus,  the  rock  of  ages — the  unfailing  founda- 
tion of  the  sinner's  hope. 

We  praise  thee,  0  Lord,  for  unnumbered  mercies, 
of  which  we  are  utterly  unworthy.  We  praise  thee, 


90  PRAYERS. 

if  we  have  at  all  been  enabled  to  live  to  Tliy  glory 
this  day, — to  resist  temptation — to  conquer  sin — to 
confess  Thee  before  the  ungodly — and  to  warn  sin- 
ners of  the  wrath  to  come.  We  bless  Thee  that  thou 
hast  not  given  us  over  to  a  reprobate  mind,  nor 
taken  us  away  in  the  midst  of  our  iniquities.  Oh, 
that  as  we  ought  we  may  now  praise  Thee,  and  that 
all  that  is  within  us  may  bless  Thy  holy  name. 

Unto  Thy  care  we  now  commend  ourselves  this 
night.  We  will  lay  us  down  in  peace,  if  Thou  speak 
peace  to  us  through  Jesus.  May  our  last  thoughts 
be  of  Thee  ]  and  when  we  Avake,  may  Thy  Spirit 
bring  heavenly  things  to  our  mind.  Pardon  the 
imperfections  of  our  prayers  ;  supply  what  we  have 
omitted  to  ask  for,  and  do  all  for  the  sake  of  Jesus. 
Amen. 

TUESDAY    MOKNUSTG. 

IVFOST  blessed  Lord,  who  delightest  in  showing 
xtX  niercy  to  those  who  honor  Thy  beloved  Son  ; 
we,  renouncing  all  self-dependence,  and  trusting  to 
that  complete  atonement  which  He  has  made  upon 
the  cross,  come  into  Thy  presence  this  morning. 

We  humble  ourselves  before  Thee  on  account  of 
our  sins.  Goodness  and  mercy  have  followed  us  all 
the  days  of  our  lives.  Thou  hast  commended  Thy 
love  to  us,  in  that  Thou  hast  given  Thy  Son  for  our 
sins  ;  and  yet  we  have  requited  Thy  goodness  and 
Thy  love  by  ingratitude  and  rebellion.     0  Lord,  we 


PBA  TEES.  9L 

hate  ourselves  on  account  of  sin.  We  long  to  be 
delivered  from  it.  We  wish  for  that  holiness  which 
is  happiness.  AVe  feel  our  utter  inability  to  conquer 
a  single  sin.  We  therefore  cry  unto  Thee,  our  Fa- 
ther. We  knock  at  Thy  door  this  morning,  and  im- 
plore of  Thee  to  come  forth,  and  to  give  us  a 
Father's  blessing.  We  do  not  ask  for  riches — for 
honors — for  the  good  things  of  this  world.  But  we 
pray  of  Thee  to  give  us  the  mighty  power  of  the 
Holy  Spirit,  to  resist  the  temptation  of  the  world, 
the  flesh  and  the  devil.  Baptize  us  with  the  Holy 
Ghost.  Condemn  sin  in  our  members  ;  and  as  those 
members  have  too  long  been  employed  as  instruments 
of  unrighteousness,  may  they  now,  and  ever,  and 
unceasingly,  be  employed  in  Thy  happy  service. 
We  desire,  0  Lord,  that  no  darling  sin  be  retained ; 
but  enable  us,  by  the  Spirit,  with  unsparing  severity 
to  crucify  every  unholy  affection  and  lust. 

We  pray  for  the  mind  that  was  in  Christ  Jesus  ; 
and  to  that  end,  give  us  the  Spirit  that  was  in  Jesus. 
Lord,  confirm  and  strengthen  in  us  whatever  Thou 
thyself  hast  planted  ;  and  root  out  of  us  all  things 
that  offend  against  the  holiness  that  becomes  Thy 
faithful  followers. 

And,  0  Lord,  look  in  mercy  upon  any  how  kneel- 
ing before  Tliee,  who  are  yet  unconverted  by  the 
Spirit  of  Christ — who  love  the  world  in  preference 
to  Jesus,  and  who  follow  its  ways  instead  of  the 
ways  of  holiness.  Show  them  their  danger,  we  be- 
seech Thee,  and  show  them  their  loss.     Convince 


92  PBA  TER8. 

them  that  they  are  in  the  road  that  leads  to  the  ruin 
of  their  souls.  Give  them  Thy  Spirit  to  display  be- 
fore them  the  love  and  beauty  of  Jesus  ;  that  their 
affections  may  be  withdrawn  from  unworthy  objects, 
and  centred  upon  Him.  0  adorable  Redeemer,  so 
manifest  thy  love  to  each  of  us,  that  we  may  esteem 
Thee  the  chief  among  ten  thousand,  and  altogether 
lovely  ;  and  so  be  filled  by  Thy  love,  that  our  hearts 
and  thoughts  may  dwell  upon  Thee  all  the  day  long. 

And  while  we  pray  to  Thee  for  those  things  which 
we  stand  in  need  of,  we  would  praise  Thee  for  what 
we  have  already  received.  Praise  be  to  Thee  for  the 
blessings  of  the  past  night  ]  that  we  laid  us  down 
to  sleep,  and  were  raised  in  safety.  Praise  be  to 
Thee  if  we  begin  this  day  with  any  increased  desire 
to  live  to  Thy  glory.  Oh,  if  we  have  this  not,  give 
it  us  before  we  rise  from  our  knees.  Praise  be  to 
Thee  for  health,  for  food,  for  raiment.  But  above 
all,  praise  be  to  Thee  for  the  unspeakable  gift  of 
Thy  beloved  Son,  Jesus. 

And  now.  Lord,  w^e  pray  Thee  to  watch  over  us 
while  we  pass  through  the  world  this  day.  Lead 
us  not  into  temptation — deliver  us  if  tempted.  En- 
able us  to  glorify  Thee  in  our  several  callings  in  life. 
Let  nothing  so  occupy  us,  as  to  drive  Thee  for  a  mo- 
ment from  our  minds  ;  but  be  Thou  ever  present,  to 
regulate  our  tempers,  our  affections,  and  our  pur- 
suits. Hear  these  our  prayers,  O  Lord,  and  when 
Thou  dost  hear,  forgive.  Pardon  the  imperfection 
of  our  solemn  services,  and  accept  us  and  them,  for 


PRAYERS.  93 

the  sake  of  Him  in  wliora  Thou  art  well  pleased, 
the  Lord  Jesus  Christ.     Amen. 


TUESDAY    EVENING. 

^~\  GOD,  who,  though  Thou  dwellest  in  the  higli- 
^^  est  heavens,  hast  respect  unto  those  who 
pray  to  Thee  on  earth  in  the  name  of  Thy  dear 
Son,  Jesus,  let  Thine  ear  be  attentive  to  the  prayer 
which,  in  His  name,  we  now  offer  unto  Thee. 

We  come  under  a  deep  sense  of  our  utter  unwor- 
thiness  of  the  least  of  Thy  mercies.  We  are  not 
worthy  to  gather  up  the  crumbs  that  fall  from  Thy 
table  ;  and  yet  dost  Thou  allow  us  to  ask  for  the 
portion  of  children.  Thou  art  very  merciful,  0 
Lord ;  Thy  love  in  Christ  is  unsearchable.  Yet 
give  us  the  Spirit,  that  we  may  know  more  of  that 
love.  Though  it  be  a  love  that  passeth  our  full 
understanding,  teach  us  to  understand  it  more  per- 
fectly. The  Spirit  searcheth  all  things,  yea,  the 
deep  things  that  are  revealed  in  Thy  word.  Give 
us  the  Spirit,  we  implore  Thee,  for  Christ's  sake  ; 
and  may  we,  by  it,  be  led  to  the  understanding  and 
enjoyment  of  all  that  Thou  hast  revealed.  0  give 
us  the  Spirit,  to  lead  us  into  all  Thy  truth.  We 
lay  aside  our  own  wisdom  ;  we  yield  ourselves  to 
Thee  ;  and  pray  of  Thee  to  teach  us  all  that  Thou 
wouldst  have  us  to  know. 

Nor  less  do  we  pray  to  Thee,  0  Lord,  for  the 
spirit  of  holiness.     Thou  seest  how  much  of  world- 


94  PRATERS. 

liness  still  cleaves  to  us — liow  our  unholy  desires 
seek  to  be  gratified.  We  pray  for  strength  against 
these  our  enemies.  That  the  flesh  may  be  subdued, 
we  pray  for  the  Spirit  to  resist  it — to  crucify  it. 
We  pray  that,  as  Thou  hast  saved  us  from  tlie  pun- 
ishment of  sin,  Thou  wilt  grant  us  the  Spirit,  that 
we  may  be  wholly  freed  from  the  power  of  sin. 
We  would  realize  more  of  the  joy  of  heaven  while 
wc  walk  on  earth — that  joy  wdiich  follows  the  con- 
quest of  sin.  0  our  Father,  we  hate  ourselves  on 
account  of  sin — we  grieve  that  our  hearts  should 
wander  from  Thee  for  a  single  moment.  Take  pos- 
session of  us — occupy  us — subdue  us  to  the  obedi- 
ence of  faith.  Be  Thou  in  us  the  conqueror  of  sin, 
the  promoter  of  holiness.  Purify  us  from  the  de- 
filement that  belongs  to  the  flesh,  and  sanctify  us 
by  the  indwelling  of  the  Holy  Ghost. 

We  are  conscious  that  much  imperfection  has 
marked  our  service  this  day,  and  that  we  might 
have  done  more  for  Thy  glory  had  we  been  stronger 
in  the  faith,  and  more  impressed  Avith  a  sense  of  Tln^ 
love.  Oh,  shed  abroad  that  love  in  our  hearts  by 
the  Holy  Ghost,  we  beseech  thee,  that  we  may  ever 
walk  under  the  abiding  influence  and  constraining 
power  of  the  love  of  Jesus.  Teach  us  not  only  to 
feel,  but  to  act  like  those  who  are  no  longer  their 
own,  but  are  bought  with  a  price — even  vfith  the 
price  of  the  Saviour's  blood. 

But,  0  gracious  Lord,  we  would  not  only  pray 
to  Thee  for  what  we  need,  we  would  also  praise  Thee 


PBAYEB8.  95 

for  what  we  have  received.  We  praise  Thee  for 
having  spared  us  from  merited  condemnation.  We 
praise  Thee  that  thou  didst  not  give  us  over  to  a  re- 
probate mind.  We  praise  Thee  that  thou  hast  plucked 
us  as  brands  from  the  burning.  We  praise  Thee  for 
whatever  of  sin  we  have  been  empowered  to  con- 
quer. Praise  be  to  Thee  for  the  unspeakable  gift 
of  Thy  Son  Jesus,  through  whom  all  blessings  flow 
to  us.  Oil  that,  as  we  ought,  we  may  praise  Thee 
now  on  earth  more  perfectly,  and  sing  to  the  praise 
of  Thy  redeeming  love  in  the  courts  of  Thy  heavenly 
glory. 

And  do  Thou,  0  Lord,  the  God  of  grace,  who 
liast  called  us  into  thine  eternal  glory  by  Christ 
Jesus,  after  that  we  have  suffered  a  while  make  us 
perfect,  stablish,  strengthen,  settle  us.  Do  Thou,  the 
very  God  of  peace,  sanctify  us  wholly  ;  and  may 
our  whole  spirits,  and  souls,  and  bodies  be  preserved 
blameless  unto  the  coming  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 
To  Him,  with  Thyself,  and  the  Holy  Ghost,  be  all 
honor  and  glory,  for  ever.     Amen. 

WEDNESDAY    MORNING. 

TTOLY  Lord  God  of  Hosts!  thou  author  of  our 
^^  being  ;  thou  Lord  of  heaven  and  earth  !  How 
could  we  have  dared  to  speak  to  Thee,  or  to  raise 
our  eyes  to  the  place  where  Thine  honor  dwelleth, 
hadst  thou  not  opened  a  way  of  access  through  the 
Lord  Jesus  Christ !    He  is  our  only  Saviour.    Lord, 


96  PRAYERS. 

we  disclaim  all  others,  and  cling  to  His  cross  as  the 
only  refuge  of  our  guilty  souls. 

We  grieve  to  think  of  our  base  ingratitude  to- 
ward Thee,  who  art  so  worthy  of  the  best  of  our 
hearts'  affections.  We  are  pained  to  think  what 
trifles  draw  our  hearts  from  Thee,  and  how  they  are 
prone  to  settle  upon  earthly  things.  0  God,  for 
Thy  mercy's  sake,  give  us  the  victory  over  ourselves. 
We  acknowledge  that  we  are  insufficient,  of  our- 
selves, to  control  the  passions  of  our  minds.  We  ask 
deliverance  from  self.  0  our  Father,  hear  us,  and 
send  the  Holy  Ghost  into  our  hearts,  to  reign  and 
rule  over  every  thought  within.  We  wish  to  be 
brought  under  the  power  of  the  Spirit.  We  long 
for  the  conquest  of  sin,  for  the  subduing  of  self  to 
the  service  of  Jesus  ;  and  that  the  leaven  of  the 
Spirit  may  work  itself  into  all  we  think,  or  do,  or 
say.  We  wish  that  the  life  which  we  now  live  may 
be  by  the  faith  of  the  Son  of  God,  who  loved  us, 
and  gave  Himself  for  us.  We  wish  to  have  sin  and 
the  flesh  crucified.  We  would  not  spare  the  most 
beloved  earthly  object  that  interferes  with  our  de- 
votedness  to  Thee.  Lord,  we  desire  to  be  wholly 
Thine.  Take  from  us  what  Thou  wilt,  so  that  Thy 
love  be  left  to  us.  Oh,  hide  not  the  light  of  Thy 
blessed  countenance,  our  Father,  and  we  shall  be 
happy,  though  stripped  of  every  earthly  posses- 
sion.— Whom  have  we  in  heaven  to  plead  for  us, 
but  Thee,  0  adorable  Jesus  ?  Whom,  then,  upon 
eartli   should   we   desire  in  comparison  of  Thee? 


PRATERS.  97 

Otlier  lords  have  dominion  over  us  ;  but  from 
henceforth  thou  shalt  be  our  all-in-all.  We  make, 
not  this  promise,  0  Lord,  trusting  to  our  own 
strength,  for  we  have  had  painful  experience  of  our 
helplessness.  But  we  make  it  in  reliance  upon 
Thy  promise,  that  thou  wilt  give  the  Holy  Spirit 
to  them  that  ask  it ;  that  Spirit  which  is  able 
to  keep  the  lamp  of  love  alive.  Dispel  every  cloud 
of  unbelief,  and  warm  our  hearts  with  the  beams  of 
Thy  love.  Knit  our  hearts  to  Thee  in  a  bond  that 
no  earthly  power  can  sever,  so  that  we  may  each 
be  enabled  to  say — "To  me  to  live  is  Christ — to 
die  is  gain." 

We  beseech  Thee  also,  our  Heavenly  Father,  for 
our  country,  that  its  rulers  may  be  guided  and  gov- 
erned by  Thee,  and  that  they  who  frame  our  laws 
may  be  directed  from  above.  Make  our  judges  a 
terror  to  evil  doers,  and  restrain  iniquity  in  our 
land.  Establish  Thy  fear  in  the  hearts  of  our  fel- 
low-citizens that  they  may  be  gathered  with  us  final- 
ly into  Thine  everlasting  kingdom  through  Jesus 
Christ. 

And,  0  blessed  Jesus,  who  art  dishonored  by  the 
works  of  Thine  own  hands,  and  despised  by  a  world 
which  Thou  hast  made,  teach  us  so  to  love  Thee  as 
to  love  the  time  of  Thine  appearing,  and  to  pray, 
with  all  our  hearts,  that  Thy  kingdom  may  come, 
when  Thy  will  shall  be  done  on  earth  as  it  is  in 
heaven  ;  when  Thou  shalt  bind  the  enemy,  and  rule 
the  world  in  righteousness.  From  the  power  of 
5 


98  PRATEBS, 

the  enemy  of  our  souls,  do  Thou  this  day  deliver  us, 
and  enable  us  to  maintain  an  unceasing  conflict  with 
whatever  opposes  our  spiritual  growth  and  enjoy- 
ment. 

Now,  unto  Him  that  is  able  to  keep  us  from  fall- 
ing, to  the  only  wise  God  our  Saviour,  with  the 
Father  and  the  Holy  Ghost,  be  glory,  majesty,  do- 
minion, and  power,  both  now  and  for  ever.     Amen. 


WEDNESDAY    EVENING. 

UNTO  Thee  do  we  lift  up  our  hearts,  0  Thou 
that  dwellest  in  the  heavens.  In  Thy  great 
mercy  hear  us  ;  and  answer  the  prayers  and  accept 
the  praises  which  we  present  unto  Thee,  in  the  name 
of  Jesus. 

0  Lord,  teach  us  how  to  pray.  Solemnize  our 
hearts.  Enable  us  to  withdraw  our  minds  from 
worldly  thoughts,  and  to  worship  Thee  with  spirit- 
ual minds.  Forever  blessed  be  Thy  name,  for  the 
privilege  of  praying  to  Thee — of  telling  Thee  all 
our  wants,  and  griefs,  and  sadness  ;  and  for  the  as- 
surance, that,  for  the  worthiness  of  Jesus,  Thou 
dost  bestow  upon  us  Thy  heavenly  blessings.  We 
have  much  to  grieve  over,  0  Lord.  Our  coldness, 
and  deadness,  and  slothfulness  in  Thy  service,  cause 
us  grief  and  pain.  We  would  love  Thee  more,  and 
serve  Tliee  better  ;  but  our  hearts  are  still  too  fond 
of  earthly  things  ;  and  often  have  we  to  draw  our- 
selves into  Thy  presence,  when  we  sliould  run  with 


P  BAYER  8.  99 

the  fullness  of  delight.  For  the  sake  of  Thy  dear 
Son,  grant  us  more  of  the  Spirit.  Nourish  the  life 
which  Thou  hast  given  us.  Keep  up  the  power  of 
religion  in  our  souls.  Lead  us  to  enlarged  views 
of  the  Redeemer's  glory,  and  deeper  views  of  the 
evil  of  our  hearts.  Show  us  more  of  the  evil  of  sin, 
and  the  beauty  of  holiness.  Strengthen  us  by  the 
Spirit,  to  imitate  the  example  of  Jesus ;  and  give 
us  the  mind  that  dwelt  in  Him. 

We  ask  for  great  things,  0  our  Father ;  but 
Thou  hast  encouraged  us  so  to  do  ;  Thou  lovest  to 
bless  Thy  poor  weak  ones,  who  cry  unto  Thee,  and 
who,  mourning  their  deficiency,  look  to  Thee  for 
strength.  Blessed  Jesus,  Thou  art  our  strength. 
Be  Thou  strong  in  us.  And  may  Thy  Spirit  be 
powerful  in  us  this  day.  .  We  have  much  to  contend 
with, — the  world,  with  all  its  seducing  pomp  and 
vanity — the  flesh,  with  all  its  unholy  desires — the 
devil,  with  all  his  art  and  power,  are  leagued 
against  us.  But  give  us  the  Spirit,  0  our  God,  and 
we.  shall  be  strengthened  to  resist. 

Increase  Thy  gifts  to  all  who  know  Thee,  0  Lord. 
Make  Thy  Church  a  glory  in  the  earth.  Call 
many  more  to  be  faithful  preachers  of  Thy  holy 
word.  Teach  those  who  minister  in  holy  things 
to  be  less  of  this  world,  and  more  ensamples  of  holi- 
ness, and  of  deadness  to  the  things  of  this  passing 
life.  Reveal  by  the  Spirit  the  neglected  truths  that 
lead  to  personal  holiness.  Enable  us  to  cease  from 
man,  and  to  follow  the  unerring  rule  of  Thy  word 
of  truth. 


V 


100  PBA  TUBS. 

For  Thy  care  of  us  during  the  past  day,  we  give 
Thee  thanks,  0  Lord.  Take  us,  and  all  whom  we 
desire  to  remember  in  prayer  before  Thee,  under 
Thy  watchful  providence  this  night.  Preserve  us 
through  the  remaining  part  of  the  day  of  life  ;  and 
may  we  be  blessed  by  Thee,  to  rejoice  at  the  close 
of  this  day  in  the  prospect  of  endless  glory  through 
Jesus.  To  Him,  to  Thyself,  0  heavenly  Father,  and 
to  the  Holy  Ghost,  be  endless  praise  ascribed. 
Amen. 

THURSDAY    MORNING. 

OTHOU  whose  name  is  Jehovah — the  self-ex- 
istent God,  whose  creatures  we  are,  we  live 
upon  Thy  bounty  ;  it  is  our  duty  to  acknowledge 
our  dependence  on  Thee,  and  worship  at  Thy  foot- 
stool from  day  to  day.  Wo  praise  Thee  that  Thou 
hast  permitted  us  to  do  so  this  morning  ;  that  Thou 
hast  even  provided  a  way  of  access  to  Thyself, 
through  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ ;  and  that,  by  Him, 
we  can  not  only  come  with  acceptance,  but  with  the 
expectation  of  being  supplied,  from  Thy  bounty, 
with  whatever  is  needful  for  time  and  for  eter- 
nity. 

We  know  not,  0  Lord,  what  is  for  our  good. 
We  dare  not,  therefore,  ask  for  any  thing  temporal, 
beyond  the  mere  necessaries  of  life.  Give  us  food 
and  raiment,  and  make  us  therewith  content.  We 
beseech  of  Thee  to  bless  us  with  plenty  from  Thy 


PRAYERS.  101 

spiritual  store.  Give  us  a  deep  sense  of  our  own 
unworthiness.  Show  us  more  of  the  corruption  of 
our  own  evil  hearts,  that  we  may  trust  them  less, 
and  cling  to  Thee  the  closer  for  strength  to  resist 
their  unholy  propensities.  We  confide  in  the  blood 
of  Jesus  for  the  pardon  of  all  that  is  past ;  and  we 
implore  the  Holy  Spirit,  to  shed  abroad  the  love  of 
Jesus  in  our  hearts.  Give  to  us  then,  the  Holy 
Spirit,  to  make  known  that  love  to  our  souls — to 
make  us  holy — to  make  us  faithful,  zealous,  and  de- 
voted witnesses  for  Jesus,  in  the  midst  of  an  ungod- 
ly world.  0  Lord,  we  wish  to  manifest  in  our  lives 
the  power  of  godliness ;  to  be  living  epistles,  read 
and  known  of  all  men  ;  to  exhibit  the  Spirit's  work 
in  subduing  our  flesh.  Make  us.  Thy  members,  a 
temple  of  the  Holy  Ghost ;  and  may  our  lives  pro- 
claim that  God  is  in  us  of  a  truth. 

Lord,  we  pray  for  greater  light  and  enjoyment 
in  the  reading  of  Thy  holy  word.  We  wish  to  feed 
upon  its  precious  truths — to  love  it  as  the  record  of 
our  Father's  will — to  prefer  it  to  every  other  study. 
May  we  find  it  profitable  for  doctrine,  reproof,  cor- 
rection, instruction  in  righteousness  ;  and  may  we, 
by  it,  be  thoroughly  furnished  unto  all  good  works. 
Grant,  Lord,  that  w^e  may  not  be  carried  about 
with  every  wind  of  doctrine,  tossed  to  and  fro  in 
doubt  and  danger.  But  may  the  Spirit  lead  us  to 
a  sound  interpretation  of  Thy  holy  word ;  so  that 
we  may  grow  up  into  Christ  in  all  things,  being 
nourished  by  the  sincere  milk  of  the  word. 


102  P  BAYERS. 

Enable  us  to  walk  in  wisdom  toward  them  that 
arc  without — to  show  all  forbearance  in  all  things 
— to  reprove  shi  in  the  spirit  of  love — and  to  mani- 
fest, that  while  we  hate  the  sin,  we  are  moved  by 
kindness  towards  those  whom  we  are  called  to  re- 
buke. Teach  us,  also,  to  correct  those  faults  in  our- 
selves which  we  discover  in  others. 

Look  in  pity,  we  pray  Thee,  upon  our  native  land. 
Heal  all  divisions  and  distractions  ;  and  pour  the 
oil  of  the  Spirit  upon  its  troubled  waters.  May 
that  righteousness  which  exaltoth  a  nation  be  ours  ; 
and  put  away  from  us  that  sin  which  is  a  reproach 
to  any  people.  Have  mercy  upon  those  its  inhab- 
itants who  are  sitting  in  darkness,  and  in  the  sha- 
dow of  death.  Raise  up  faithful  men  to  declare  to 
them  the  Gospel  of  Thy  grace.  Open  a  door  for 
the  effectual  preaching  of  Thy  holy  word  ;  and  bless 
those  that  read  it  by  the  power  of  the  Spirit ;  so 
that  Thy  truth  may  be  known  amongst  men,  Thy 
saving  health  to  all  this  nation. 

Accept  our  thanks  for  the  blessings  of  the  past 
night ;  for  peace,  protection,  and  health.  Keep  us 
this  day  in  Thy  faith  and  fear.  May  we  walk  as 
in  Thy  presence,  assured  that  there  is  not  a  thought 
in  our  hearts  but  Thou  knowest  it  altogether  ;  and 
may  we  do  all  things  to  Thy  glory. 

May  the  very  God  of  peace  sanctify  us  wholly  ; 
and  we  pray  that  our  whole  spirits,  souls,  and  bod- 
ies, may  be  preserved  blameless,  unto  the  day  of  the 
glorious  appearing  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ.     May 


PRATERS.  103 

we  then  appear  with  Him  in  glory.     We  ask  all 
for  the  same  Saviour's  sake.     Amen. 


THURSDAY    EVENING. 

TT^ATHER  of  all  mercies,  who  hast  watched  over 
■^  us  during  this  day,  and  brought  us  to  the  close 
of  it  in  safety  ;  before  we  lay  ourselves  down  to 
take  our  rest,  we  would  commend  our  bodies  and 
souls  to  Thy  careful  keeping. 

Blessed  Jesus,  through  Thee  we  now  come  to  the 
throne  of  grace ;  and  through  Thee  we  look  to  be 
cleansed  from  the  defilement  which  we  have  con- 
tracted in  our  walk  through  the  world  this  day. 
Blot  out  as  a  cloud  our  transgressions,  and  as  a 
thick  cloud  our  sins  ;  for  we  return  unto  Thee,  be- 
cause Thou  hast  redeemed  us. 

Enter  not  into  judgment  with  Thy  servants,  0 
Lord,  for  in  Thy  sight  shall  no  flesh  living  be  justi- 
fied. We  do  not  say  that  we  have  no  sin,  for  then 
should  we  deceive  ourselves :  but  we  confess  our 
sin,  and  believe  that  Thou  art  faithful  and  just  to 
forgi^»3  it  us.  Do  so,  precious  Saviour,  we  beseech 
Thee,  and  remove  from  us  the  guilt  of  all  that  our 
consciences,  this  night,  accuse  us  of. 

But  we  would  not  only  praise  Thee  for  deliver- 
ance from  the  punishment  of  sin  ;  we  most  earnest- 
ly pray  to  be  delivered  from  its  power.  The  law 
of  sin  that  is  in  our  members,  is  our  misery.  When 
we  would  do  good,  evil  has  been  present  with  us  ; 


104  PRATERS. 

and  the  evil  that  we  would  not,  that  we  have  too 
often  done.  We  therefore  come  to  Thee,  this  night, 
as  well  for  the  pardon  of  the  sins  of  the  day,  as  for' 
strength  for  the  future.  If  another  day  be  added 
to  our  lives,  show  Thy  power  in  enabling  us  to  cru- 
cify sin.  Send  the  Holy  Ghost  into  our  hearts, 
that  we  may  be  sanctified,  body,  soul,  and  spirit. 
Grant  that  all  carnal  affections  may  die  in  us  ;  and 
that  all  things,  belonging  to  the  Spirit,  may  live 
and  grow  in  us  ;  and  being  fed  by  the  manna  of 
Thy  word,  and  the  water  of  the  Spirit,  may  grow 
daily  in  grace,  and  in  the  knowledge  and  love  of 
the  Lord  Jesus. 

But  Thou,  Lord,  who  search  est  all  hearts,  canst 
alone  tell  whether  we  all  thus  hate  sin,  and  thirst 
for  holiness.  Oh,  if  there  be  any  present,  who  use 
these  words  without  feeling  them  ]  who  join  in  an 
expression  of  hatred  to  sin,  yet  love  it  in  their 
hearts,  and  cannot  bear  to  part  with  it,  in  mercy 
visit  them  with  Thy  salvation.  Create  within  them 
clean  hearts,  0  Lord,  and  renew  right  spirits  with- 
in them.  Convince  them  that  the  wages  of  sin  is 
death  ;  and  make  known  to  them  that  eternal  life, 
Avliich  is  the  gift  of  God,  through  Jesus.  Oh,  give 
us  all  one  heart,  and  one  mind,  and  one  spirit,  that 
none,  now  kneeling  before  Thee,  may  be  wanting 
amongst  the  number  of  Thy  people  :  but  that  our 
names  may  be  written  in  the  Lamb's  book  of  life. 

Bless  us,  0  Lord,  in  our  several  stations.  Bless 
those  who  rule — bless  those  who  serve.     Moy  we. 


PBATEBS.  105 

in  our  respective  callings,  adorn  the  doctrine  of 
God  our  Saviour,  in  all  things  ;  and  while  we  sup- 
port the  name  of  Christian,  may  we  not  contradict 
it,  by  the  practice  of  what  is  hateful  to  Christ. 

Lord,  we  would  be  wholly  Thine.  We  yield 
ourselves  as  clay  into  the  hands  of  the  potter. 
Make  us  holy  vessels,  meet  for  our  master's  use ) 
and  fill  us  with  the  Spirit,  in  all  such  power,  as 
Thou  seest  it  right  we  should  possess.  Come,  Ho- 
ly Spirit,  come  !  Purify  us — illuminate  us — sanc- 
tify us — seal  us — that  we  may  perfect  holiness  in 
the  fear  of  the  Lord. 

To  the  Father,  the  Son,  and  the  Holy  Ghost,  be 
now  ascribed  all  praise,  majesty,  and  dominion,  for 
ever.     Amen. 

FRIDAY    MORKING. 

A  LMIGHTY  GOD,  who  hast  commended  Thy 
-^^  love  to  us,  in  that,  whilst  we  were  yet  sin- 
ners, Tliou  didst  give  Thy  Son  to  die  upon  the  cross 
for  us  all ;  be  Thou  mercifully  pleased  to  show  us 
the  light  of  Thy  countenance,  and  bless  us,  and  com- 
fort us,  while  we  now  draw  near  to  worship  Thee. 
We  come  through  Jesus.  AYe  trust  alone  to  the 
atoning  blood  of  Jesus.  We  acknowledge  no  other 
Mediator  but  Jesus.  All  our  dependence  is  in  Him 
for  time  and  eternity. 

Thou  art  greatly  to  be  praised,  O  Lord,  for  the 
love  Thou  hast  shown  to  us  guilty  sinners.     We 
5* 


•106  PRATER  S. 

have  rebelled  against  Thee  ;  we  have  provoked 
Thee  to  anger  ;  we  have  been  transgressors  against 
Thy  laws  ;  and  thou  wouldst  have  been  just  hadst 
Thou  condemned  us  to  the  lake  of  fire.  Yet  in  mercy 
Thou  hast  spared  us,  and  hast  made  known  to  us 
Thy  willingness  to  save,  by  the  Son  of  Thy  love. 
Just,  indeed,  wilt  Thou  be  in  condemning  those  who 
neglect  or  reject  that  Saviour.  And  yet,  Lord,  we 
should  have  rejected  Him,  if  Thou  hadst  not  turned 
our  hearts.  Be  Thy  name  adored,  for  those  amongst 
us  who  believe  ;  be  Thy  mercy  entreated  for  tliose 
who  yet  believe  not.  Give  them  the  light  of  the 
knowledge  of  Thy  glory,  in  the  face  of  Jesus  Christ. 
Cause  the  day-spring  from  on  high  to  visit  them. 

And  let  none  of  us,  O  Lord,  be  satisfied  with  a 
mere  salvation  from  the  punishment  of  sin.  Give 
us  such  a  hungering  and  thirsting  for  righteousness 
— such  an  ardent  love  for  holiness — as  will  make 
us  press  after  an  abundant  entrance  into  Thy  heav- 
enly kingdom.  We  desire  that  v;^hatever  others  do 
we  may  serve  the  Lord.  We  therefore  pray  of 
Thee,  0  blessed  Lord  Jesus,  vrho  hast  received  the 
Spirit  for  the  Church,  to  grant  it  us  in  all  the  power 
and  measure  that  Thou  seest  v^e  require.  We  pray 
Thee  to  cleanse  this  tabernacle  of  flesh  by  the  Spirit. 
Mortify  our  carnal  desires  ;  lead  us  to  the  higher 
enjoyment  of  the  spiritual  things  ;  increase  our  love 
to  Thee.  For  this  we  need,  we  ask,  the  Spirit ;  and 
may  we  be  raised  above  the  world,  to  live  in 
happy,  peaceful  waiting  for  Tliy  coming.    Maintain 


PRAYERS.  107 

this  happy  frame  in  those  to  whom  Thou  hast  given 
it,  and  bestow  it  npon  those  who  have  it  not.  Cut 
Thou  those  tics  that  bind  our  souls  to  earth.  Enable 
us  to  walk  through  this  world  as  Jesus  did — as 
strangers  in  a  barren  land.  Oh,  we  grieve  to  feel 
how  much  our  hearts  still  cling  to  the  tilings  of 
earth.  Strengthen  us  for  the  time  that  remains  ; 
and  enable  us  to  rejoice  in  the  hope  of  the  glory  of 
God.  Fill  us  with  the  Spirit,  that  the  love  of 
Christ  may  constrain  us  to  speak  thereof,  one  with 
the  other ;  and  to  go  forth,  and  tell  to  those  who 
are  in  darkness  what  a  precious  Saviour  we  have 
found. 

We  thank  Thee,  0  Lord,  for  the  rest,  protection, 
and  preservation  of  the  night  past.  We  thank  Thee 
that  we  have  had  whereon  to  lay  our  heads,  while 
others  were  in  want  and  wretchedness.  Give  us 
hearts  to  feel  for  their  miseries,  and  to  relieve  them. 
Be  thou  near  to  us  all  the  day  long,  and  let  not  our 
hearts  wander  from  Thee.  Let  Thy  word  be  the  rule 
of  our  lives.  Thy  Son  our  holy  example,  and  Thy 
Spirit  our  heavenly  teacher.  Let  thy  glory  be  our 
aim  in  whatever  we  do  or  say  ;  and  teach  us  so  to 
value  the  joy  of  Thy  countenance,  as  to  make  any 
sacrifice  rather  than  lose  it  for  a  moment.  Oh,  shine 
upon  us,  our  gracious  Lord,  at  this  time  ;  shine,  and 
the  clouds  of  unbelief  shall  be  scattered.  May 
each  member  of  this  family,  being  endued  with  the 
power  of  the  Spirit,  be  brought  under  the  influence 
of  the  gospel  of  Christ,  that  we  may  be  a  house- 


108  PRATERS. 

hold  fearing  God  and  working  righteousness,  that 
all  anger,  and  wrath,  and  clamor,  and  evil  speaking, 
may  be  put  away  from  us  ;  and  tliat  the  law  and 
service  of  love  may  prevail  over  that  of  rigor  or 
of  fear.  May  the  peace  of  God  rule  in  all  our 
hearts,  and  may  we  enjoy  and  exhibit  the  blessed- 
ness of  them  who  dwell  together  in  unity  ;  so  that 
walking  in  the  faith  of  the  Gospel,  we  may  all  be 
found  in  the  household  of  faith. 

To  the  Father,  the  Son,  and  the  Holy  Ghost,  be 
everlasting  praise,  majesty,  and  dominion,  now  and 
for  ever.     Amen. 


FRIDAY    E  VENIN  G. 

13LESSED  Lord,  who  hast  caused  all  holy  Scrip- 
-■^  tures  to  be  written  for  our  learning,  and  in 
those  Scriptures  hast  revealed  to  us  Thy  love,  in 
sparing  not  Tliy  Son,  but  delivering  Him  up  for  us 
all ;  grant  that  by  patience  and  comfort  of  Thy  holy 
Word,  we  may  embrace  and  ever  hold  fast  that 
blessed  hope  of  everlasting  life.  Make  us  to  feel, 
0  Lord,  tliat  it  is  indeed  a  blessed  hope — a  hope, 
for  the  enjoyment  of  which  may  we  be  ready  to 
part  with  all  we  possess.  May  Jesus  be  precious  to 
us — more  precious  than  thousands  of  gold  and  sil- 
ver. Oh,  may  our  hearts  rejoice  in  Thy  salvation, 
that  in  sincerity  we  may  say,  Whom  have  we  in 
heaven  but  Thee,  and  there  is  none  upon  earth  that 
we  desire  beside  Thee. 


PRATERS.  109 

Gracious  Lord,  Thou  hast  added  to  our  lives 
another  da}^  More  privileges,  more  blessings  have 
been  added  to  our  store  ;  and  we  are  conscious  of 
much  ingratitude.  What  shall  we  render  unto  Thee 
for  all  the  benefits  that  we  have  received  from 
Thee  ; '  for  life — for  health — for  food — for  raiment 
— for  preservation  from  a  thousand  evils  to  which 
others  are  exposed — for  tlie  means  of  grace — and, 
above  all,  for  the  hope  of  glory  through  Jesus? 
Lord,  we  have  nothing  to  give  which  has  not  first 
been  received  from  Thee.  We  can  only  add  to  our 
debt  of  gratitude,  and  draw  a  plea  from  all  Thy 
bounties  to  ask  Thee  still  for  more.  .  We  do  so, 
Lord.  We  pray  Thee  to  add  to  all  Thine  other 
gifts  the  gift  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  to  enable  us  to  en- 
joy them — to  enjoy  Jesus,  to  feast  upon  His  love — • 
to  be  so  united  to  Jesus  as  to  lose  our  love  for  every 
unlawful  earthly  object,  and  for  every  lawful  one 
which  interferes  with  our  devotedness  to  Tliee. 
.  Enable  us,  by  the  mighty  power  of  the  Holy  Spirit 
I  to  mortify  the  flesh,  with  its  affections  and  lusts, 
I  which  rise  in  opposition  to  Jesus,  to  enter  gladly 
into  the  humiliation  of  Jesus,  to  walk  through  the 
i  world  as  Jesus  did,  a  stranger  to  all  its  joys,  and 
pleasures,  and  pursuits.  Deliver  us  from  the  love 
of  the  world.  We  have  promised  to  renounce  it, 
with  its  pomps  and  vanities.  But,  Lord,  we  cannot 
do  so  of  ourselves.  Give  to  each  of  us  the  Holy 
Ghost,  enduing  us  with  power  from  on  high, 
planting  the  love  of  heavenly  things  within  us ,  and 


110  PRAYERS. 

mortifying  our  attachment  to  the  things  of  the 
world.  May  our  old  nature  be  so  buried  that  the 
new  man  may  be  raised  up  in  us.  May  we  have 
power  and  strength  to  have  victory,  and  to  triumph 
against  the  devil,  the  world,  and  the  flesh  ;  and  may 
each  day  that  brings  us  nearer  to  our  eternal  home, 
find  us  more  weaned  from  the  world,  and  more  united 
to  Christ. 

Pardon,  0  Lord,  whatever  we  have  this  day  been 
guilty  of,  whether  they  be  sins  of  commission  or 
omission.  Give  us  now  such  contrition  of  heart  for 
offending  against  Thee,  a  God  of  love,  as  will  make 
us  more  watchful  over  our  hearts,  should  we  be 
spared  for  another  day.  Give  to  us  all  that  godly 
sorrow  which  worketh  repentance  not  to  be  repent- 
ed of,  and  a  thorougli  hatred  even  of  the  appear- 
ance of  evil.  Make  us  a  holy  people,  that  Thy  name 
may  be  sanctified  in  the  midst  of  us. 

For  the  blessings  which ^we  enjoy  this  night,  accept 
our  earnest  expression  of  thankfulness.  May  we  lie 
down  at  peace  with  Thee  through  Jesus  ;  and  may 
a  sense  of  reconciliation  through  His  blood  give 
peace  and  joy  to  our  hearts.  Should  death  or  sick- 
ness this  night  visit  us,  may  every  fear  be  removed 
in  the  confidence  of  acceptance  through  Jesus. 
Give  us  that  confidence,  if  we  have  it  not,  so  that 
they  who,  through  fear  of  death,  were  all  their 
lifetime  subject  to  bondage,  may  know  the  glorious 
libcrtv,  from  danQ:er  and  from  fear,  which  is  to  be 
enjoyed  through  the  Saviour  of  sinners. 


PRA  YEItS.  Ill 

Lord,  hear  us ;  Lord,  answer  us  ;  and,  Lord, 
abundantly  bless  us,  for  the  sake  of  Thy  Son,  our 
Redeemer,  Jesus  Christ.     Amen. 


SATURDAY  MORNING. 

r\  ALMIGHTY  GOD,  who  givest  liberally  to 
^-^  all  men,  and  upbraidest  not,  and  dost  not  des- 
pise the  meanest  of  Thy  creatures  who  come  unto 
Thee  in  the  name  of  Jesus  ;  hear  us,  and  answer  us, 
while,  through  Him,  as  the  way,  the  truth,  and  the 
life,  we  come  boldly  to  Thy  throne  of  grace. 

Thou  hast  encouraged  us  to  ask  for  great  things, 
and  we  desire  now  to  do  so  ;  yet  not  for  the  things 
of  this  world — for  its  riches,  its  honors,  or  its  goods, 
which  might  prove  a  curse  instead  of  a  blessing  : 
but  we  ask  for  spiritual  things — for  the  pardon  of 
daily  sin,  through  the  blood  of  Jesus — for  an  assur- 
ance of  that  pardon,  speaking  peace  to  our  souls — 
for  an  abundant  outpouring  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  en- 
abling us  successfully  to  resist  the  temptation  of  the 
evil  one,  and  to  manifest  in  our  lives  the  power  of 
the  grace  of  God.  These,  blessed  Lord,  are  large 
petitions,  but  Thou  hast  encouraged  us  to  expect 
great  things.  We  acknowledge  that  we  have  not, 
because  we  asked  not — that  we  have  been  straiten- 
ed in  ourselves,  and  not  in  Thee — that  our  conquest 
over  sin  might  have  been  greater,  had  we  waited 
upon  Thee  more  for  the  Spirit.  Oh,  then,  now  that 
Thou  hast  put  it  into  our  hearts  to  ask,  satisfy  our 


112  PRAYEBS. 

largest  desires,  and  give  us  all  that  we  stand  in 
need  of.  Oh,  make  us  holy,  for  the  Saviour's  sake, 
whatever  else  Thou  art  pleased  to  deny. 

We  give  Thee  thanks,  0  Lord,  for  Thy  preser- 
vation of  us  during  the  night  past.  We  might  have 
perished  by  fire,  or  have  been  visited  by  the  pesti- 
lence that  walketh  in  darkness.  Oh,  how  great  is 
Thy  goodness  to  us,  when  we  reflect  how  many  have 
spent  the  night  in  agony  of  body  or  of  mind,  while 
we  have  been  kept  in  health  and  quietness.  Lord, 
we  would  praise  Thee  for  these  things  ;  and  as  ev- 
ery gQod  gift  Cometh  from  Thee,  we  beseech  Thee 
to  enable  us  to  show  forth  that  praise,  not  only  with 
our  lips,  but  in  our  lives. 

And  now  that  we  enter  upon  the  last  day  of  the 
week,  we  would  ask  tlie  spirit  of  self-examination, 
that  we  may  review  those  days  that  are  gone,  and 
be  humbled  to  confess,  and  strengthened  to  forsake, 
all  that  conscience  accuses  us  of.  May  we  remem- 
ber that  this  is  the  preparation  of  the  Sabbath. 
Make  it  so  to  us,  we  pray  Thee.  Enable  us  to  set 
our  house  in  order,  and  so  to  arrange  our  worldly 
business,  that  we  may  serve  Thee  without  distrac- 
tion on  Thy  holy  day,  should  we  be  allowed  to  en- 
joy it. 

But  forasmuch  as  we  know  not  what  a  day  may 
bring  forth,  oh,  teach  us  to  live  this  day  as  though 
it  were  our  last ;  as  though  we  had  a  certainty  of 
the  call  of  death,  or  of  the  Saviour's  coming,  this 
night.     Cut   every  tie  which  binds  us  to  earth  ; 


PRAYEB8.  113 

overcome  our  attacliment  to  the  things  of  the  world  ; 
and  enable  us  to  sit  completely  loose  to  all  but  Thee. 
And  oh,  may  the  roots  of  our  affections  strike  deep- 
er into  Jesus,  that,  being  stablished,  and  grounded, 
and  confirmed  in  Him,  we  may  be  proof  against  the 
storms  of  adversity,  and  the  force  of  temptation. 
Correct,  we  beseech  Thee,  whatever  Thou  seest 
amiss  in  our  tempers  and  dispositions.  Subdue  the 
risings  of  unholy  passion  ;  say  to  the  ruffled  waves, 
Be  still  ;  let  meekness  and  humility  prevail  over 
harshness  and  pride  ;  and  may  the  loving  spirit  of 
the  Saviour  be  manifest  in  all  we  say  or  do. 

We  pray  of  Thee  to  look  this  day  upon  Thy  min- 
istering servants,  who  are  to  stand  up  on  the  mor- 
row to  preach  tlie  Gospel  of  Thy  grace.  Be  witli 
them  in  their  preparation  for  the  holy  work.  May 
the  Holy  Ghost  so  fill  them  with  the  love  of  Jesus, 
and  the  love  of  souls  for  His  sake,  that  they  may 
speak  that  they  do  know,  and  testify  that  they  have 
seen  and  felt  of  the  riches  of  redeeming  love.  Feed 
their  own  souls  while  they  prepare  to  feed  their 
flocks,  and  cause  that  an  abundant  blessing  may 
follow  their  labor  in  the  Lord. 

Grant  these  our  petitions,  O  Lord,  for  Jesus 
Christ's  sake,  our  only  Saviour  and  Redeemer. 
Amen. 


114  PRAYERS. 


SATURDAY    EVENING. 

OGOD,  whose  nature  and  property  is  ever  to 
have  mercy  and  to  forgive,  receive  our  humble 
petitions,  which  we  present  to  Thee  in  the  name  of 
Jesus. 

We  adore  Thy  holy  name,  that  when  Jesus  offer- 
ed not  expiation  for  angels  that  sinned,  we  were 
visited  by  Him  in  mercy,  and  that  for  us  reconcilia- 
tion has  been  made.  Forbid  it,  gracious  Lord,  that 
we  should  reject  so  great  a  benefit,  or  slight  such 
wondrous  love.  Apply  to  each  of  us  the  fidl  virtue 
of  that  Saviour's  sacrifice.  Cause  us  to  rejoice  that 
our  sins  are  blotted  out,  and  that,  through  Jesus, 
we  stand  complete  in  all  the  will  of  God. 

But,  Lord,  we  confess  that  we  are  bound  with  the 
chain  of  our  sins  ;  that  sin  has  often  dominion  over 
us  ;  and  that  we  are  too  often  led  captive  by  Satan 
at  his  will.  We  implore  Thee,  of  Thy  great  mer- 
cy, to  loose  us  ;  to  deliver  us  from  the  love  of  sin  ; 
to  give  us  the  Spirit  to  subdue  the  flesh  ;  and  to 
keep  us  in  the  obedience  of  Christ.  The  ways  of 
sin  are  slavery ;  Thy  service  is  perfect  freedom. 
Make  us  free,  then,  blessed  Lord,  not  only  from  the 
punishment  of  sin,  by  the  blood  of  Jesus,  but  from 
the  dominion  of  sin,  by  the  power  of  the  Holy 
Ghost ;  that  we  may  sanctify  the  Lord  God  in  our 
hearts  ;  that  we  may  be  able  to  cease  from  sin,  to 
walk  in  holiness  and  righteousness  all  the  days  of 


PRAYERS.  115 

our  life,  and  to  enjoy  the  holy  liberty  of  the  chil- 
dren of  God. 

We  mourn  to  think  how  much  the  things  of  the 
world  prevailed  to  draw  our  hearts  from  Thee ;  what 
toys  and  trifles  pleased  iis,  when  we  found  but  little 
pleasure  in  Jesus.  Oh,  deliver  us  from  a  worldly 
spirit.  Let  us  feel  that  this  world  is  not  our  rest ; 
that  it  is  polluted ;  and  that  all  that  is  in  the  world — 
the  lust  of  the  flesh,  the  lust  of  the  eye,  and  the  pride 
of  life — is  not  of  the  Father,  but  is  of  the  world. 
Heavenly  Father,  may  we  be  crucified  to  the  world, 
and  the  world  to  us,  so  that  we  may  serve  Thee  with 
a  single  eye,  and  live  for  Thee  alone. 

We  bless  Thee,  at  the  remembrance  of  Thine  un- 
merited mercies.  We  praise  Thee,  that  we,  who 
have  provoked  Thee  so  often  to  anger,  who  have 
grievously  sinned  and  rebelled  against  Thy  laws, 
liave  not  been  visited  by  sudden  judgment,  and 
doomed  to  suffer  in  the  lake  of  fire.  Oh,  Avhat  a 
mercy  that  we  have  been  spared,  and  not  cut  off  in 
the  midst  of  our  iniquities  !  We  call  upon  our  souls 
to  praise  Thee,  0  Lord,  and  all  that  is  within 
ns  to  bless  Thy  holy  name.  Let  us  not  spend  that 
life  which  we  have  forfeited,  and  which  Thou  hagt 
so  mercifully  spared,  on  sin  or  vanity,  but  take  it 
all  to  Thyself.  Take  it.  Lord,  for  we  cannot  give 
it  Thee.  Make  us  Thine.  Make  us,  as  Thy  mem- 
l)ers,  a  temple  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  and  reign  within 
us,  lord  over  every  thought,  and  word  and  action. 
Look  in  mercy,  we  pray  Thee,  upon  all  who  are 


116  PRATERS. 

in  trouble,  sorrow,  need,  sickness,  or  any  other  ad- 
versity. Give  tliem  patience  under  their  suffer ino:s, 
and  a  happy  issue  out  of  all  their  afflictions.  May 
Thy  chastisement  yield  the  peaceable  fruits  of  right- 
eousness in  those  who  are  exercised  by  it. 

Have  pity  on  all  prisoners  and  captives.  Lead 
them  to  Jesus,  who  in  His  Gospel  proclaims  the 
opening  of  the  prison  to  them  that  are  bound.  Ec- 
claim  the  backsliders.  May  they  grieve  to  have 
forsaken  a  loving  Saviour,  and  to  have  preferred, 
before  Him,  the  wages  of  iniquity.  Put  words  into 
their  mouths,  that  they  may  return  and  say,  "  Take 
away  all  iniquity,  and  receive  us  graciously.'' 

Forgive,  we  beseech  thee,  0  Lord,  the  sins  of  the 
day,  the  sins  of  the  week,  for  Jesus'  sake.  We 
would  lie  down  at  peace  w^ith  Thee  this  night 
through  Jesus,  so  that  if  this  night  our  souls  should 
be  required  of  us,  we  may  be  found  in  Jesus,  accept- 
ed in  Him,  the  Beloved. 

Every  prayer  we  present  unto  Thee,  in  his  name. 
Grant  to  us  needful  rest  this  night ;  and  if  we 
awake  in  life  to  see  the  Sabbath,  may  the  Spirit  meet 
us  with  an  early  blessing,  and  tune  our  hearts  to 
sing  the  praise  of  Jesus.     Amen. 

SUNDAY    MORNING. 

O  ALMIGHTY  and  Eternal  God,  who  hast  so 
loved  a  guilty  world  as  to  give  Thy  Son  Jesus 
Christ  to  die  upon  the  cross  for  its  sin,  we  draw  near 


PRATERS.  117 

to  Thee  through  Him,  and  implore  acceptance  for  the 
Saviour's  sake. 

We  give  Thee  thanks,  0  eternal  Jehovah,  for  the 
blessing  of  another  Sabbath ;  that  we  are  called 
from  earthly  cares  to  spend  this  day  with  Thee.  A 
day  in  Thy  courts  is  better  than  a  thousand.  But, 
0  Lord,  we  have  spent  many  Sabbaths  without  any 
enjoyment  of  Thee.  We  have  satisfied  ourselves 
with  the  form,  while  destitute  of  the  power  of  god-  ^ 

liness.  We  have  made  confession  of  sins,  for  which  1 
we  never  mourned,  and  made  promises  of  amend- 
ment, whicb  we  never  kept.  We  desire  that  the 
time  past  of  our  lives  may  suffice  us  to  have 
wrought  such  folly  and  deceit.  We  know,  Lord, 
that  we  cannot  enjoy  an  eternal  Sabbath,  unless  Thy 
Sabbaths  on  earth  be  the  joy  of  our  heart.  We 
therefore  pray  most  earnestly  that  Thou  wilt  send 
into  our  hearts  the  Holy  Spirit,  that  Ave  may  see 
Thee  and  enjoy  Thee  in  all  the  ordinances  of  this 
day.  Let  all  Thy  goodness  pass  before  us,  that  we 
may  be  led  to  admire  the  wonders  of  Thy  love. 
Make  us  hate  the  sins  that  caused  the  sufferings  of 
the  Saviour,  and  adore  the  love  which  carried  Him 
through  them  all.  0  blessed  Jesus,  as  Thou  didst 
die,  cause  sin  to  die  in  us  ;  as  Thou  didst  rise  from 
death,  so  make  us  rise  to  newness  of  life ;  and  as 
Thou  dost  employ  Thy  risen  life  to  the  glory  of  the 
Father,  so  make  us  feel  that  being  bought  with  a 
price,  we  are  no  longer  our  own,  but  should  glorify 
Thee  with  our  bodies  and  our  spirits,  which   are 


118  PRAYERS. 

Thine.  We  would  make  a  solemn  surrender  of 
ourselves  to  Thee  this  day,  to  be  and  to  do  all  that 
Thou  dost  wish. 

Be  with  us  while  we  attend  Thy  house  of  prayer. 
Solemnize  our  hearts  with  a  sense  of  Thy  presence, 
and  gladden  our  hearts  with  the  manifestation  of 
Thy  love.  Remove  from  us  all  wandering  of  mind 
and  levity  of  spirit.  Let  us  not  do  our  own  ways, 
nor  find  our  own  pleasure,  nor  speak  our  own  words, 
on  this  Thy  holy  day  ;  but  make  it  our  care  to  imi- 
tate on  earth  what  we  hope  to  enjoy  with  Thee  in 
heaven.  Meet  us  in  private  prayer,  and  enable  us 
to  employ  part  of  this  day  in  self-examination  and 
study  of  thy  Holy  Word.  If  we  are  employed  for 
the  benefit  of  others,  may  we  remember  that  thy 
Spirit  alone  can  bless  our  labors  ;  and  for  that,  let 
us  be  diligent  in  prayer.  Prepare  our  hearts  to  re- 
ceive the  seed  of  heavenly  truth  ;  and  may  none  of 
us  harden  those  hearts  against  the  convictions  of 
conscience. 

We  beseech  Thee  to  bless  Thy  servants  who  are 
commissioned  by  Thee  to  preach  Thy  truth  this  day. 
Teach  them,  that  they  may  teach  others.  May  they 
not  trust  to  the  words  which  man's  wisdom  teach- 
eth,  but  which  the  Holy  Ghost  teacheth,  comparing 
spiritual  things  with  spiritual.  Cause  many  to  know 
that  Thy  Gospel  is  the  power  of  God  unto  salva- 
tion, by  leading  them  to  believe  its  precious  truths. 
May  the  Holy  Spirit  so  accompany  the  word 
preached,  that  this  may  be  a  day  of  rejoicing  to 


PRAYERS.  119 

many,  by  loosing  their  spiritual  bonds,  enlightening 
their  spiritual  darkness,  removing  their  unbelieving 
fears,  and  manifesting  Jesus  in  the  beauty  of 
holiness. 

Most  gracious  Lord,  who  hast  bestowed  upon 
us  the  unspeakable  gift  of  the  Gospel  of  Christ, 
we  would  remember  before  Thee  those  heathen 
nations  who  now  sit  in  that  darkness  which 
once  enveloped  our  land.  0  Lord,  have  mercy  upon 
them.  And  whilst  Thy  Gospel  is  a  witness  among 
all  nations,  may  it  be  the  power  of  God  to  the  sal- 
vation of  many  who  hear  it.  Get  glory  to  Thyself 
by  the  conversion  of  sinners  ;  and  add  unto  Thy 
Church  daily  from  among  the  Gentiles  such  as 
should  be  saved. 

Lord  of  the  Sabbath,  hear  our  prayers,  and  may 
this  Sabbath  be  to  us  a  foretaste  of  eternal  rest,  for 
Jesus  Christ's  sake.     Amen. 


SUNDAY    EVENING. 

MOST  gracious  Lord,  who  hast  added  to  our 
many  mercies  the  enjoyment  of  another  Sab- 
bath, and  hast  allowed  us  this  day  to  hear  the  mes- 
sage of  thy  full  and  free  salvation  through  the  Lord 
Jesus  Christ,  bless  us  while  we  now  worship  Thee 
in  his  name. 

Conscious  that  we  are  unable  to  retain  the  good 
seed  of  Thy  Word,  or  to  bring  any  fruit  to  perfec- 


120  PRATERS. 

tion  without  the  power  of  the  Spirit  in  our  hearts, 
we,  Thine  unworthy  servants,  beseccli  Thee  now  to 
give  tliat  Spirit  to  us.  We  have  this  day  had  life 
and  death,  blessing  and  cursing,  laid  before  us. 
Empower  us  to  refuse  the  evil  and  to  choose  the 
good.  Increase  whatever  convictions  may  have 
been  forced  upon  our  minds  by  the  truth,  and 
strengthen  whatever  resolutions  we  may  have 
formed  of  living  more  devotedly  to  Thee.  Grant 
that  the  seed  sown  may  not  be  plucked  away  by  the 
enemy  of  our  souls  ere  it  take  root.  Break  our  stony 
hearts,  that  they  may  not  resist  that  heavenly  seed. 
Remove  the  weeds  of  worldly  cares,  which  would 
choke  the  tender  blade  ;  and  may  our  hearts  be  so 
wrought  upon  by  the  Spirit,  that  they  may  bring 
forth  an  hundred  fold  of  spiritual  fruit  to  Thy  glory. 
And  while  we  feel  humble  before  Thee  under 
a  sense  of  guilt,  and  of  the  imperfection  that 
cleaves  to  our  very  best  services,  we  would  also 
praise  Thee  for  whatever  enjoyment  Thou  hast  given 
us  in  the  service  and  ordinances  of  the  day.  Where- 
in we  have  failed  in  this  experience,  give  us  still  to 
enjoy  it  before  we  retire  to  rest ;  that  our  souls  may 
not  end  this  day  of  spiritual  feasting  in  spiritual 
lieaviness,  nor  suffer  hunger  while  Tliy  table  is 
spread  for  their  spiritual  repast.  Lord,  we  are 
straightened  in  ourselves,  and  not  in  Thee.  We  have 
not,  because  Ave  ask  not  aright.  We  ask  with  cold- 
ness and  deadness,  when  we  should  cry  unto  Tliee 
with   fervent   supplication  and   agonizing   prayer. 


PRATERS.  121 

* 

Pour  upon  us  the  Spirit  of  grace  and  supplica- 
tion, that  we  may  pray  as  we  should  ;  that,  praying 
in  the  Spirit,  heaven  may  be  opened  to  our  pray- 
ers ;  and  that  our  souls  may  be  abundantly  satisfied 
out  of  the  store-house  of  Thy  grace. 

We  desire  this  night,  0  Lord,  to  promise  before 
Thee,  with  all  solemnity,  that,  the  Spirit  being  our 
helper,  we  will  no  longer  endeavor  to  serve  two 
masters,  but  that,  renouncing  the  service  of  the 
world  and  sin,  we  will  take  Thee  as  our  Master, 
our  Father,  and  our  God.  Confirm  this  resolution. 
Record  it  by  the  Spirit  upon  the  tablet  of  our 
hearts.  Give  us  strength  to  adhere  to  it,  and  to 
renounce  all  that  the  world  admires  and  esteems, 
whicli  stands  in  the  way  of  our  entire  surrender  to 
Thee. 

Again  we  pray  Thee,  0  Lord,  confirm  our  best 
resolutions,  in  Thy  strength  formed  this  night. 
And  may  the  power  of  the  Holy  Ghost  so  work 
within  us,  that  if  spared  to  see  another  day,  we  may 
be  enabled  to  resist  and  overcome  the  temptations 
by  which  we  may  be  assailed,  to  return  to  the 
world  and  its  ways.  Oh,  for  grace  to  take  up  our 
cross  and  follow  Jesus,  though  exposed  to  trial  and 
persecution  for  His  sake !  Keep  us  mindful  that  it 
is  they  who  suffer  with  Jesus  here,  who  shall  reign 
with  Him  in  His  kingdom  ;  while  they  who  refuse 
the  cross  and  deny  Him,  shall  be  denied  before  the 
angels  of  God. 

0  Lord,  hear  us  ;  0  Lord,  answer  us ;  and  0 
6 


122  PRAYERS. 

Lord,  abundantly  bless  us,  for  Jesus  Christ's  sake. 
Amen. 

/    MONDAY    MO  RINGING  r> 

O  MERCIFUL  GOD,  who  hast  promised  that 
where  two  or  three  meet  together  in  Thy 
name,  there  Thou  wilt  be  in  the  midst  of  them,  fulfil 
that  promise  to  us,  Thy  waiting  people,  who  come 
to  worship  Thee  this  morning,  in  the  name  of 
Jesus. 

Another  day  Thou  hast  added  to  our  lives,  and 
dost  call  upon  us  to  show  whether  we  will  be  doers 
of  the  word  which  sve  heard  upon  the  past  Sab- 
bath, or  whether  we  have  been  but  forgetful  hearers. 
Lord,  the  desire  of  our  hearts  is  to  follow  Thee 
fully.  But  we  need  more  power  than  we  can  com- 
mand. We  are  surrounded  by  temptations,  and  our 
own  evil  heart  is  the  worst  of  our  foes.  We  implore 
of  Thee  to  take  pity  on  us,  and  to  send  the  Holy 
Ghost,  to  confirm  us  in  the  love  and  practice  of 
godliness. 

0  blessed  Lord,  leave  us  not  to  walk  alone  this 
day  through  the  dangers  by  which  we  are  beset, 
but  be  Thou  with  us,  that  we  may  lean  upon  the 
arm  of  our  beloved.  Fill  us  with  such  love  to  Thee 
as  will  enable  us  to  brave  the  scorn  or  persecution 
of  the  world,  in  following  Thy  holy  will ;  and  teach 
us  to  count  all  things  but  loss  for  tlie  excellen- 
cy of  the  knowledge  of  Christ.     Our  business  in  life 


PRAYERS.  123 

is  to  live  to  Thy  glory.  While  others,  who  know 
Thee  not,  are  careful  and  troubled  about  many 
things,  may  the  one  thing  needful  occupy  the  first 
place  in  our  hearts  this  day.  Set  a  watch,  0  Lord, 
before  our  lips,  that  we  offend  not  with  our  tongue. 
Put  away  from  us,  not  only  evil  speaking,  lying,  and 
slandering,  but  remove  all  levity  of  speech,  of  man- 
ner, or  of  thought.  Give  to  us  that  spiritual  mind 
which  is  life  and  peace  ;  and  may  our  care  this 
day  be,  to  maintain  communion  with  Thee  at  any 
sacrifice. 

Make  us  not  only  true  and  just  in  all  our  deal- 
ings, but  may  we,  after  the  command  of  Jesus,  be 
willing  to  suffer  wrong  or  take  reproach,  rather  than 
break  a  bond  of  peace  or  charity.  Enable  us  to  im- 
prove every  opportunity  of  usefulness  that  may  oc- 
cur, either  by  relieving  the  needy,  though  by  doing 
so  we  need  to  deny  ourselves  ;Cor  by  speaking  a 
word  in  season,i though  we  may  be  exposed  to  re- 
proach for  our  zeal.  Grant  us,  O  blessed  Jesus,  so 
to  live  upon  Thee,  to  feed  upon  Thee,  to  enjoy  the 
prospect  of  being  Avith  Thee  in  glory,  that  we  may 
not  be  anxious  for  the  possession  of  those  worldly 
things  which  are  tlie  objects  of  the  world's  ambition. 
Be  Thou  our  portion,  and  we  shall  be  therewith 
content,  take  what  Thou  mayest  away. 

Have  pity,  0  Lord,  upon  all  who  are  in  want  and 
wretchedness.  While  we  are  in  the  enjoyment  of 
plenty,  give  us  a  heart  to  feel  for  those  who  suffer 
from  hunger  and  nakedness ;  and  never  let  us  waste 


V 


i 

J 
i 

{ 


]24  PRATERS. 

on  luxury  or  vanity,  what  might  relieve  Ihc  miser- 
ies of  numbers  in  our  land.  Teach  us  to  do  to 
others  what  we  would  wish  to  have  done  to  our- 
selves. 

And  now,  gracious  Lord,  we  pray  Thee  to  be  with 
us  through  the  whole  of  this  day.  May  we  take 
nothing  in  hand  but  what  is  warranted  by  Thy  will 
and  word,  and  may  all  we  undertake  for  Thy  glory 
prosper.  For  Thee  we  would  labor,  for  Thee  we 
would  suffer  shame.  Grant  to  us  the  lio^ht  of  Thv 
countenance,  and  all  will  be  well.  Now,  to  God 
only  wise,  be  glory,  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
Amen. 


MONDAY    EVENING. 

r\  LORD  GOD,  who  hast  given  Thy  Son  to  die 
^-^  for  sinners,  and  hast,  through  Him,  proclaimed 
peace  and  good- will  towards  men  ;  we  enter  into 
Thy  presence,  through  His  mediation,  to  enjoy  the 
privilege  of  communion  with  Thee. 

We  accept  it,  0  Lord,  as  an  unspeakable  favor, 
that  we  are  allowed  to  speak  unto  Thee  ;  and  more, 
that  we  can  be  assured  of  Thv  willino^ness  to  re- 
ceive  and  bless  us  in  Jesus.  Grant  us  now  the 
Spirit  of  prayer  and  of  supplication.  May  the 
Spirit  sanctify  our  hearts  ;  and  our  thoughts  being 
withdrawn  from  worldly  things,  may  we  have  joy 
in  communion  with  Thee. 


PRAYERS.  125 

We  give  Thee  thanks,  0  blessed  Lord,  for  Thy 
care  and  protection  of  us  during  the  past  day.    We 
are  unworthy  of  the  least  of  Thy  mercies  ;  and  yet 
Thou  art  merciful  to  our  infirmities,  and  compas- 
sionate to  our  wants.     Thou  art,  indeed,  a  God  of 
love.     Give  us  of  Thy  loving  Spirit,  O  Lord.     May 
we  be  changed  into  Thine  image,  from   glory  to  , 
glory,  even  by  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord.    May  all  the 
evil  tempers  and  passions  that  belong  to  our  carnal 
nature  be  subdued  by  the  Spirit.    May  love,  joy, 
peace,  long-suffering,  gentleness,  and  meekness,  the 
fruit    of  Thy   Spirit,   prevail  over  tlie  works  of 
the  flesh.     Conform   us  to  the  likeness  of  Jesus. 
Enable  us  to  imitate  the  example   of  Jesus,  who 
pleased  not  Himself,  but  lived  and  died  even  for  His 
enemies.     Give  us  the  universal  love  of  Jesus  to 
the  world,  the  peculiar  love  of  Jesus  to  the  Church. 
Crucify  all  selfish  feelings  within  us  ;  and  may  the 
subdued   and  chastened  Spirit  of  Christ  be  ever 
manifest  in  us.     Enlarge  our  hearts  to  love  our  en- 
emies ;  and  remove  for  ever  all  malice  or  revenge. 
As  we  believe  Thou  hast  forgiven  us,  make  us  wil- 
ling from  the  heart  to  forgive  those  who  may  have 
injured  us. 

0  our  Father,  we  pray  Thee,  that  if  any  here 
present  are  yet  uninfluenced  by  Thy  Spirit,  Thou 
wilt  mercifully  bestow  it  upon  them  for  Christ's 
sake.  Do  Thou,  Lord  Jesus,  who  art  the  good 
Shepherd,  lead  them  to  Thy  fold,  and  mark  them  as 
the  sheep  of  Thy  pasture.     Teach  us  all  to  know 


126  PRAYERS. 

our  hearts,  that  wc  may  not  deceive  ourselves  with 
tlie  form  of  gotlliness,  nor  expect  salvation  while 
we  walk  in  indulged  sin.  Wash  us  all  in  the  blood 
of  Jesus.  Purify  us  all  by  the  Holy  Spirit ;  and  seal 
us  with  that  Spirit  unto  the  day  of  redemption. 

As  Tliou  hast  been  about  our  path  this  day,  0 
Lord,  so  be  Thou  about  our  bed  this  night.  Give  us 
rest  and  refreshment  for  our  weary  bodies  ;  and  if 
a  new  day  be  added  to  our  lives,  may  new  supplies 
of  Thy  Spirit  be  vouchsafed,  to  enable  us  to  spend 
that  day  in  Thy  service.  Keep  us  from  day  to  day, 
in  prayer,  in  watchfulness,  in  activity,  and  in  peace 
with  Thee,  through  Jesus,  till  our  day  of  life  is 
spent,  and  our  sun  shall  set  in  glory.  Grant  all,  0 
heavenly  Father,  for  Jesus  Clirist's  sake.    Amen. 


TUESDAY    MOR:^riNG. 

/"\  LORD,  our  Heavenly  Father,  Almighty  and 
^-^  Everlasting  God,  who  hast  safely  brought  us 
to  the  beginning  of  this  day,  look  with  pity  on  those 
here  assembled  in  Thy  name,  and  in  dependence 
upon  the  Lord  Jesus,  to  worship  at  Thy  throne  of 
grace. 

Thou  hast  mercifully  answered  the  prayers  which 
we  offered  up  on  the  last  evening  ;  Thou  hast  pre- 
served us  from  the  perils  and  dangers  of  the  night, 
and  Ave  are  here  to  thank  Thee  for  Thy  mercy.  Bat, 
gracious  Lord,  we  need  a  continuance  of  tliat  mercy 


PRAYERS.  127 

from  day  to  daj^ '  We  cannot  walk  this  day  in  the 
strength  of  yesterday.  jWe  are  dependent  on  Thee 
for  everything ;  make  us  content  to  be  so,  that  Thou 
mayest  have  all  the  glory.  Hear  us  now,  for  the 
sake  of  Jesus,  while  we  renew  our  petitions,  and 
make  our  requests  known  unto  Thee  in  prayer. 

Blessed  Lord,  we  need  supplies  both  for  our 
bodies  and  for  our  souls.  We  ask  Thee,  then,  as 
regards  the  things  of  life,  to  give  Avhat  is  required 
to  preserve  our  bodies  in  health  for  Thy  service. 
We  covet  not  luxury,  to  feed  tlie  cravings  of  an  un- 
lawful appetite  ;  nor  clothing,  to  adorn  these  taber- 
nacles of  clay.  But  give  us  food  and  raiment  as 
Thou  seest  fit,  and  teach  us  to  be  therewith  content. 
For  our  hungry  souls  we  now  desire  spiritual  food. 
Oh,  that  we  hungered  less  for  the  meat  that  perishes, 
and  more  for  that  which  endures  unto  everlasting 
life !  Give  that  hungering  and  thirsting  after 
righteousness  to  those  amongst  us  who  have  it  not, 
and  satisfy  the  desires  of  those  within  whom  Thou 
hast  already  created  it. 

0  ever  blessed  Lord,  come  Thou  and  take  posses- 
sion of  our  hearts.  Cause  us  to  feel  the  power  of 
Thy  love.  We  would  be  crucified  with  Christ  to  all 
the  things  of  time  and  sense.  We  would  enter  into 
the  valley  of  humiliation  with  Him — partake  of  His 
sorrows,  and  share  in  His  griefs.  We  would  have 
our  will  so  subject  unto  Thine,  so  as  to  lose  all  will 
of  our  own,  that  Thou  alone  be  glorified.  We  would 
mortify  self,  that  Thou  alone  mayest  live  within  us. 


128  PRAYERS,  v 

We  would  regulate  our  lives,  to  live  to  Thy  glory  ; 
and  cut  off  every  indulgence  which  interferes  with 
our  enjoyment  of  Thee.  We  would  determne  to 
know  nothing  on  earth  but  Jesus  Christ,  and  Him 
crucified. 

And  may  the  Holy  Ghost,  the  Comforter,  whose 
office  it  is  to  create  these  desires  within  us,  come 
and  fill  us  with  mighty  power,  and(strengthen  us  to 
accomplish  what  Thou  dost  teach  us  to  approve^ 
May  He  be  in  us  a  Spirit  of  holiness — a  Spirit  of 
humility — a  Spirit  of  boldness  in  the  cause  of  Christ, 
not  for  our  own  glory,  but  that  Jesus  may  be  glori- 
fied by  us. 

0  Almighty  God,  whom  we  love  for  the  gift  of 
the  Son,  and  of  the  Spirit,  accept  our  grateful  but 
imperfect  thanksgivings  for  Thine  inestimable  bene- 
fits. And  teach  us,  we  pray  Thee,  to  love  that  Holy 
word  which  reveals  Thy  truth  to  us.  We  grieve  to 
think  how  often  we  neglect  it — how  often  we  read 
it  with  carelessness — how  often  we  prefer  to  it  the 
words  of  man.  Give  us  the  Spirit  to  see  its  hidden 
treasures,  that  we  may  read  it,  not  by  constraint, 
but  with  the  joy  of  those  whose  souls  are  enriched 
by  its  store.  And  cause,  0  Lord,  we  pray  Thee, 
that  it  may  be  known  and  valued  through  the  dark 
places  of  our  land.  Have  mercy  on  those  who  would 
interfere  to  check  the  progress  of  Thy  word.  Give 
them  to  see  the  danger  of  fighting  against  God ; 
and  reveal  to  tlicm  the  knowledge  of  that  truth 
which  will  turn  their  enmity  into  zeal  for  Thy  glor}'. 


PRAYERS.  129 

Now  to  Thee,  the  Almighty  God,  who  art  able  to 
keep  us  from  falling,  with  the  adorable  Redeemer, 
and  the  ever  blessed  Spirit,  three  persons  in  one 
God,  be  ascribed  everlasting  praise,  by  us  on  earth, 
as  by  all  in  heaven.     Amen. 

TUESDAY    EVENING. 

\  LMIGHTY  GOD,  Father  of  our  Lord  Jesus 
■^-^  Christ,  and  Father  of  all  mercies,  who  hast 
shown  Thy  love  to  a  guilty  world  by  the  best  of 
gifts — a  Saviour ;  look  with  pity,  wo  pray  Thee, 
upon  Thy  most  unworthy  servants,  who,  through  that 
Saviour,  present  ourselves  before  Thee,  to  offer  our 
evening  sacrifice  of  prayer  and  praise. 

Lord,  we  could  not  hope  for  acceptance,  hadst 
thou  not  assured  us  of  Thy  willingness  to  receive 
us.  Thou  art  a  God  of  perfect  holiness,  and  we  are 
creatures  of  iniquity  and  rebellion.  Yet  hast  Thou 
commended  Thy  love  to  us,  in  that  while  we  were 
yet  sinners,  Christ  died  for  us  ;  He,  the  just  one,  for 
us,  the  unjust,  that  He  might  bring  us  to  Thee.  But, 
gracious  Lord,  our  own  rebellious  hearts  would  have 
refused  the  favor  of  Thy  love,  hadst  Thou  not 
overcome  their  hatred  to  holiness.  Breathe  still 
more  into  our  souls  the  breath  of  a  new  and  livinjr 
principle,  causing  the  death  of  our  carnal  desires, 
and  quickening  us  to  all  the  power  of  godliness. 
We  want  not  merely  to  know  Thy  truth  ;  we  would 
6^ 


130  PBATEUS. 

feel  it  and  practise  it.  To  will  is  present  with  us, 
but  how  to  perform  that  which  is  good  we  know 
not.  Grant  to  us  the  gift  and  power  of  the  Holy 
Ghost,  we  pray  Thee,  to  be  in  us  the  life  of  holiness 
— the  instructor  in  righteousness — the  re  veal  er  of 
Christ,  and  the  witness  with  our  spirits,  that  we  are 
Thy  children. 

Lord  we  are  but  babes  in  spiritual  knowledge, 
whereas,  for  the  time,  we  should  be  teachers  of  Thy 
truth  to  others.  Make  us  to  grow  in  grace,  and  in 
l^  the  knowledge  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  Deliver 
us  from  all  spiritual  indolence — from  all  carnal  in- 
dulgence— from  the  pampering  of  the  flesh,  and  from 
the  love  of  case,  which  will  quench  Thy  Holy  Spirit. 
May  we  never  forget  that  we  are  in  an  enemy^s 
country,  and  that  we  should  endure  hardness,  as 
o-ood  soldiers  of  Jesus  Christ.  Enable  us  to  pi-actise 
self-denial — to  keep  our  bodies  under,  and  bring 
them  into  subjection,  lest,  after  the  profession  of 
*  Thy  truth,  we  should  become  castaways.  Remove 
the  evil  tempers  of  our  liearts  ;  that  neither  anger, 
malice,  revenge  nor  uncharitableness,  may  appear 
in  us,  who  call  ourselves  the  followers  of  the  meek 
and  forgiving  Saviour.  Teach  us  the  value  of  time, 
we  pray  Thee  ;  that  we  may  never  waste  that  for 
which"  the  ungodly  would  give  the  wealth  of  worlds 
at  the  last ;  nor  employ  in  idleness  of  pursuit  or 
.  conversation,  those  moments  for  which  we  shall  be 
called  to  give  account. 

0  our  God,  we  yield  Thee  our  hearty  thanks  that 


PRAYERS.  131 

Thou  hast  dealt  so  mercifully  with  us — that  Thou 
didst  spare  us  when  we  deserved  punishment 
— that  Thou  didst  not  cut  us  off  in  the  midst  of  our 
iniquities,  while  the  load  of  unpardoned  sin  lay 
heavy  upon  us  ;  and  when  our  souls,  had  they  been 
called  to  Thy  bar,  must  have  been  doomed  to  most 
merited  punishment.  Look  upon  us  now,  we  pray 
Thee  ;  and  if  any  here  kneeling  in  Thy  presence, 
are  yet  unchanged,  and  careless  about  the  things 
that  belong  to  their  peace,  oh,  pity  them — change 
them — convert  and  sanctify  them  ;  and  allow  them 
not  to  dream  of  safety,  while  they  are  in  the  utmost 
peril  of  perishing.  Draw  them  to  the  cleansing  foun- 
tain of  a  Saviour's  blood,  for  the  removal  of  past 
guilt ;  and  supply  them  with  the  Spirit's  power,  to 
sanctify  them  for  the  time  to  come. 

We  beseech  Thee,  0  Lord,  for  this  land,  that  it 
may  be  filled  not  with  men  only,  but  also  with  truth 
and  righteousness.  Bless  those  who  are  subduing 
the  earth  and  make  them  Thy  servants  through 
Jesus  Christ.  Instruct  our  rulers,  and  bless  our 
judges  ;  make  our  country  a  joy  and  a  praise  in  the 
earth,  and  let  her  people  be  all  righteous.  Where- 
ever  our  language  is  spoken  make  it  the  means  of 
spreading  the  good  knowledge  of  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ. 

Again,  0  Lord,  do  we  look  for  Thy  protection 
during  another  night.  Make  us  thankful  that  we 
are  not  exposed  to  the  sufferings  which  many  en- 
dure from  cold  and  nakedness.     Who  are  we,  that 


132  PRAYERS. 

we  should  be  protected,  while  others  perish  through 
want  ?  Oh,  give  us  hearts  to  feel  for  the  miseries 
of  others,  and  to  deny  ourselves,  that  we  may  con- 
tribute to  their  relief.  Hear,  and  answer  our  pray- 
ers, 0  Lord,  for  Jesus  Christ's  sake.     Amen. 


WEDNESDAY    MO  RISING. 

r\  MOST  MIGHTY  GOD,  who,  though  Thou 
^-^  liumblest  Thyself  to  receive  the  adoration  of 
the  heavenly  host,  art  yet  willing,  for  the  sake  of 
Jesus,  to  welcome  even  sinners,  such  as  we  are,  who 
come  to  Thee  in  His  name  ;  hear  us  while  througli 
Him  we  draw  near  to  Thee  in  prayer,  and  present 
this  our  morning  sacrifice. 

We  thank  Thee  for  the  protection  of  the  past 
night.  We  thank  Thee  that  we  were  allowed  to 
lie  down  in  peace,  and  to  awake  in  safety.  Oh, 
what  cause  have  we  to  praise  Thee,  when  we  con- 
sider the  miseries  to  which  others  of  our  fellow-crea- 
tures have  beeii  exposed,  and  from  which  we  have 
been  preserved!  How  many  were  in  want  and 
wretchedness  during  the  past  night,  while  we  were 
in  ease  and  comfort !  How  many  lay  upon  beds  of 
sickness,  racked  with  pain  and  torture,  while  we 
were  in  the  enjoyment  of  refreshing  sleep  !  How 
many  lay  down  in  health,  and  slept  in  death  before 
this  morning's  light,  while  we  are  still  in  the  land 
of  the  living,  and  are  spared  to  hear  that  the  door 


PRATERS.  133 

of  mercy  still  is  open — that  Jesus  still  waits  to  be 
gracious — that  there  is  still  pardon  through  His 
precious  blood — that  this  is  the  accepted  time — the 
day  of  salvation. 

Praised  be  the  Lord  God  for  His  unnumbered 
and  most  unmerited  mercies  !  Let  all  that  is  with- 
in us  praise  His  holy  name.  Where  should  we  now 
have  been  had  death  visited  us  during  the  last 
night?  Lord,  Thou  knowest;  and  our  consciences 
know  likewise.  Make  those  of  us,  we  pray  Thee, 
who  are  conscious  of  having  rejected  the  Lord  Jesus, 
and  of  being  still  unprepared  to  die,  dread  to  spend 
another  day,  without  life  through  a  Saviour's  death. 
Thou  art  now  more  willing  to  give  than  we  are  to 
ask.  Lord,  lead  us  all  to  Jesus,  that  those  who  have 
known  Him  not,  may  this  day  be  made  acquainted 
with  Him  as  an  all-sufficient  Saviour  :  and  that  thev 

7  V 

who  have,  may  know  Him  still  more  perfectly. 

Pour  upon  us  an  abundant  measure  of  the  Holy 
Ghost.  Open  the  windows  of  heaven,  and  rain  a 
gracious  shower  of  the  Spirit's  blessings  upon  our 
thirsty  souls.  Cause  that  the  wilderness  within 
may  be  turned  into  the  garden  of  the  Lord.  ^Yc 
grieve  to  think  that  we  should  have  found  pleasure 
.  in  those  sins  which  caused  the  sufferings  of  the  Sou 
of  God.  May  we  hate  them  for  the  future  ;  and. 
by  the  power  of  the  Spirit  working  in  us,  may  the 
love  of  holiness  be  so  planted  in  our  hearts,  that  we 
may  find  more  pleasure  in  its  ways,  than  we  ever 
had  in  the  ways  of  carnal  enjoyment. 


134  PRATERS. 

May  the  Spirit  enable  us,  from  love  to  Thee,  to 
conform  to  the  precepts  of  Thy  holy  word.  Lord, 
Thou  hast  given  us  many  talents  to  employ  in  Thy 
service.  Make  us  faithful  stewards.  Enable  us  to 
trust  Thee  for  food  and  raiment,  which  Thou  hast 
pledged  Thyself  to  provide  ;  and  may  we  not  dis- 
trust Thee,  nor  disobey  Thee,  by  laying  up  treasures 
on  the  earth.  Be  Thou  our  treasure,  from  day  to 
day  ;  then,  whereour  treasure  is  will  our  hearts  be 
also  ;  and  our  all  shall  be  devoted  to  Thy  service. 

Bless  our  relations  and  friends,  who  are  yet 
wanderers  from  the  fold  of  Jesus.  Lord,  we  carry 
them  in  the  arms  of  faith,  and  lay  them  before  Thee 
and  say,  heal  them  for  Thy  mercy's  sake.  Pour  out 
Thy  Spirit  upon  them,  0  Lord.  Turn  them  from 
darkness  to  light,  from  the  love  of  the  world  to  the 
love  of  Thee.  Whatever  Thou  may  est  take  from 
them  of  the  things  of  this  life,  oh  take  not  away  Thy 
loving-kindness,  but  save  Thou  their  immortal  souls. 
May  all  who  are  dear  to  us  by  the  ties  of  nature, 
be  made  still  more  dear  by  the  stronger  bonds  of 


grace. 


All  our  prayers  and  praises  we  present  unto  Thee, 
0  Lord,  in  the  name  of  Him,  through  whom  alone 
Thou  canst  accept  us — the  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 
Amen. 


PRATERS.  135 

WEDNESDAY    EVENING. 

Tj^ATHEK  of  all  mercies,  the  author  of  our  being, 
■^  the  source  of  our  every  hope  and  joy,  and  com- 
fort, whose  goodness  has  preserved  us  througli 
another  day,  behold  us  here  before  Thee,  this  night, 
and  enable  us  to  worship  Thee  in  Spirit  and  in 
truth. 

We  are  conscious  of  manifold  transgressions — 
of  unnumbered  sins.  Thou  art  all  love  to  us,  and 
we  are  all  insrratitude  towards  Thee.  Look  not  at 
us,  as  we  are  stained  with  sin  ;  but  look  at  us  in  the 
face  of  Thine  anointed.  We  shelter  ourselves  be- 
hind the  Saviour  ;  and  putting  on  the  Lord  Jesus,  we 
dare  to  come  to  Thee  with  boldness.  We  are  now 
complete  in  Him.  Hear  us,  speaking  through  the 
Saviour — our  substitute  ;  and  give  to  us  all  the 
blessings  which  we  are  allowed  to  ask  in  His  name. 

AYe  would  make  farther  confession  of  our  sins,  0 
Lord.  We  have  erred  and  strayed  from  Thee  like 
lost  sheep,  having  no  will  of  our  own  to  return.  We 
have  tried  the  pleasures  of  the  world,  and  found 
them  wanting  )  we  acknowledge  that  we  have  never 
enjoyed  an  hour's  peace  in  the  way  of  sin.  0  Thou 
much  offended  and  much  insulted  Father,  we  turn 
unto  Thee.  Thou  mightest  justly  spurn  us  from  Thy 
presence,  to  reap  the  fruit  of  our  deserving.  But 
Thou  art  God,  and  not  man,  therefore  we  are  not 
consumed — therefore  have  we  hope — therefore  do 
we  now  return  to  Thee,  and  say.  Enter  not  into 


136  PRATERS. 

judgment  with  Thy  servants,  0  Lord  ;  pardon  all 
iniquity,  and  receive  us  graciously,  for  the  sake  of 
Thy  beloved  Son.  0  our  God,  we  disclaim  every 
idea  of  acceptance  now  or  ever,  except  through  the 
blood  of  the  Lord  Jesus.  No  merits — no  righteous- 
ness— no  goodness  have  we  to  plead  :  we  cling  to 
the  cross  of  Jesus,  as  our  only  refuge  from  the  wrath 
to  come. 

And  now,  Lord,  while  we  praise  and  bless  Thee 
for  what  Thou  hast  done,  we  would  say  unto  Thee, 
"  What  wouldst  Thou  have  us  to  do  ?  Make  Thy 
way  plain  before  our  face.  Open  Thou  our  eyes 
that  we  may  behold  wondrous  things  out  of  Thy 
law.  AVith  our  whole  hearts  do  we  seek  Thee  : 
oh,  let  us  not  wander  from  Thy  commandments." 

And,  0  our  God,  hear  us,  while  we  still  farther 
implore  of  Thee  to  grant  us  the  Holy  Spirit,  to 
subdue  sin  in  our  flesh.  Sanctify  us  by  the  Spirit. 
Guide  us  by  the  Spirit.  Fill  us  with  the  Spirit. 
May  the  Spirit  lead  us  into  all  truth ;  and  strengthen 
us  to  follow  what  we  have  been  taught  to  approve. 
Oh,  for  the  Spirit,  in  power,  that  we  may  have 
power  over  the  world,  the  flesh,  and  the   devil. 

Rule  our  rulers,  we  pray  Thee,  0  Lord  ;  govern 
our  governors,  and  give  our  senators  that  wisdom 
that  cometh  from  Thee,  that  all  their  consultations 
may  tend  to  the  advancement  of  Thy  glory  and 
the  good  of  Thy  Church.  May  Thy  Spirit  rule  in 
all  their  hearts  ;  and  may  Thy  word  be  the  rule  of 
all  their  actions.     Oh,  protect  us  ever  from  unholy 


PRAYERS.  137 

laws  ;    and  defend  iis  from  the  evil  of  unfaithful 
governors. 

To  Thy  protection  we  this  night  commend  our- 
selves, 0  Lord.  Keep  us  in  safety  both  of  body 
and  soul,  and  seal  us  with  the  Holy  Ghost,  unto  the 
day  of  redemption,  for  Jesus  Christ's  sake.    Amen. 


THURSDAY    MORNING. 

r\  EVER  BLESSED  LORD,  who  art  good  and 
^-^  gracious  to  unthankful  sinners  ;  who  dost  not 
measure  Thy  blessings  by  our  deservings,  but,  ac- 
cording to  the  multitude  of  Thy  mercies,  dost  give 
us  all  things  that  pertain  to  life  and  godliness  : 
hear  us,  while  in  the  name  of  Jesus  we  present  our- 
selves before  Thee,  this  morning,  to  draw  out  of 
the  fulness  that  is  treasured  up  in  Him  all  needful 
strength  for  the  wants  of  this  day. 

Lord,  we  are  poor  and  miserable,  and  weak,  and 
helpless  creatures.     We  have  no  sufficiency  of  our 
own  ;  no,  not  even  to  think  a  good  thought.     Our 
sufficiency  is  all  of  Christ.    We  praise  Thee,  bless-L 
ed  Saviour,  that  what  we  are  not.  Thou  art  for  us ;  \ 
that  what  we  have  not,  Thou  hast  for  us  ;  that  while  / 
we  are  nothing,  we  are  complete  in  Thee. 

0  our  God,  give  us  the  Spirit  to  open  to  us  the 
treasures  of  Thy  holy  word — to  unfold  to  us  the 
glories  of  the  Saviour — to  reveal  to  us  that  which 
the  natural  eye  cannot  see,  and  the  natural  mind  can- 
not understand.     Give  us  the  Spirit  to  see  Christ — 


138  PRAYERS. 

to  know  Christ — to  enjoy  Christ — to  live  upon 
Christ.  Give  us  the  fulness  of  the  blessing  of  the 
Gospel  of  Christ.  Our  souls  are  athirst  for  Thee, 
the  living  God.  Oh,  satisfy  us  with  Thyself,  and 
make  us  feel,  from  happy  experience,  that  Thou  art 
a  satisfying  portion. 

We  know,  blessed  Lord,  because  Thou  hast  said 
it,  that  Thy  ways  are  pleasantness,  and  all  Thy 
paths  are  peace.  But  we  wish  to  know  it  more 
from  our  own  enjoyment.  We  wish  to  be  so  dead 
to  the  world,  and  crucified  to  the  things  of  the 
Avorld,  that  we  may  ever  walk  in  those  ways  of 
pleasantness,  and  follow  those  paths  of  peace.  Di- 
rect our  steps,  we  pray  Thee.  May  the  Spirit's 
brightness  dispel  the  darkness  of  our  minds,  and 
light  our  way  to  the  fulness  of  the  glory  of  Jesus. 
0  Thou  who  hast  said,  "  Come  unto  me,  all  ye  that 
are  heavy  laden,  and  I  will  give  you  rest,"  receive 
us  who  throw  ourselves  upon  that  promise,  and 
come  unto  Thee  now  for  the  Spirit  to  rest  from  sin, 
and  to  rest  in  Thee.  Do  Thou  render  us,  and  our 
services,  acceptable  unto  the  Father ;  and  cause 
us  to  know  that  all  power  in  heaven  and  earth  is 
given  unto  Thee,  by  bestowing  upon  us  the  power 
of  the  Spirit  which  Thou  hast  received  for  the 
Church. 

And,  0  Lord,  have  pity  upon  Thy  Church  ;  endow 
her  with  the  Holy  Ghost ;  and  send  forth  the  Spirit, 
to  lead  Thy  servants  into  all  truth.  Oh,  may  Thy 
people  again  be  of  one  mind,  and  one  spirit,  striving 


PRAYERS,  139 

together  for  the  faith  of  the  Gospel.  We  acknow- 
ledge that  too  many  seek  their  own  things,  and  not 
the  things  Avhich  are  Jesus  Christ's.  Revive  the 
spirit  of  Christian  love  amongst  ns.  Clothe  Thy 
members  with  tlie  garments  of  holiness  ;  and  cause 
them  to  hold  forth  tlie  word  of  life — to  shine  as 
lights  in  the  world. 

Visit  the  dark  places  of  the  earth  with  Thy  salva- 
tion. Direct  the  hearts  of  Thy  faithful  servants  to 
preach  Thy  truth,  in  the  love  of  it,  to  those  who  are 
sitting  in  the  shadow  of  death.  Gather  in  the  num- 
ber of  Thine  elect,  and  hasten  Thy  kingdom,  0 
Lord,  when  Thy  will  shall  be  done  on  earth,  as 
now  it  is  done  in  heaven. 

Accept  our  praises,  0  Lord,  for  unnumbered 
mercies.  Praise  be  to  Thee  for  food,  for  raiment, 
for  health,  and  strength.  Praise  be  to  Thee  for 
freedom  from  bodily  suffering.  Praise  be  to  Thee, 
that  we  are  not  with  those  who  are  delivered  to 
chains  of  darkness,  reserved  unto  the  judgment  of 
the  great  day.  Praise  be  to  Thee  for  the  unspeak- 
able gift  of  thy  Son,  Jesus. 

Crown  all  Thy  mercies,  we  beseech  Thee,  with 
the  gift  of  the  Spirit,  enabling  us  to  value  and  enjoy 
the  Saviour.  And  to  Thyself,  with  the  Son  and  the 
Holy  Ghost,  be  all  praise  ascribed  by  us  on  earth, 
as  by  all  in  heaven,  for  ever. 


140  PRAYERS. 

THURSDAY    EVENING. 

TT^ATHER  of  all  mercies,  our  reconciled  Father 
-*-  ill  Christ  Jesus,  teach  us  to  pray  unto  Thee  in 
the  Spirit,  and  answer  the  prayers  which  Thou  dost 
teach  us  to  offer  up.  We  come  to  Thee  in  the  name 
of  Jesus.  Eor  His  worthiness'  sake,  hear  us,  and 
bless  us. 

Thy  goodness  has  brought  us  to  the  close  of  an- 
other day  in  safety.  We  are  here  to  praise  Thee 
for  Thy  watchful  providence  over  us,  and  for  all  the 
blessings  of  this  life  which  we  have  so  undeservedly 
received  at  Thy  hands.  But  above  all,  would  we 
adore  and  magnify  Tliy  holy  name,  for  the  provision 
Thou  hast  made  for  our  spiritual  wants,  in  Jesus, 
the  Son  of  Thy  love.  Praised  be  Thy  name,  that 
Thou  hast  accepted  the  sacrifice  of  Jesus  in  our  be- 
half, that  Thou  art  reconciled  to  us  through  the 
blood  of  His  cross,  that  Thine  anger  is  turned  away 
from  us,  and  that  through  Him  we  have  access  with 
boldness  unto  Thee.  Praised  be  Thy  name,  that  in 
Him  all  fuhiess  dwells,  and  that  we  are  called  to  re- 
ceive out  of  that  fulness,  grace  for  grace. 

AVe  come  to  draw  largely  from  tliat  spiritual 
store  this  night.  We  come  to  entreat  Thee,  as  our 
heavenly  Father,  to  pity  the  weakness  and  infirmity 
of  Thy  poor  children  upon  earth,  and  to  give  us  of 
Thy  Holy  Spirit  to  raise  our  drooping  souls  to  the 
blessedness  of  spiritual  enjoyment.  Let  not  the 
world,  the  flesh,  or  the  devil,  have  place  in  our 


PBA  YEBS.  141 

hearts.  Establish  Thy  throne  within  us.  Subdue 
every  thought  to  Thy  willing  obedience.  Work 
Thou  in  us,  by  the  mighty  power  of  the  Holy  Ghost. 
Give  us  strength  to  resist  and  overcome  all  the  sin- 
ful desires  and  lusts  of  our  flesh.  May  Christ  be 
formed  within  us  the  hope  of  glory.  May  the  life 
Avhich  we  now  live  be  by  the  faith  of  the  Son  of 
God.  May  the  Spirit  mould  us  into  the  image  of 
Jesus,  that  the  mind  that  was  in  Jesus  may  also  be 
in  us.  May  the  works  of  the  Spirit  be  so  manifest 
in  our  lives,  that  they  who  fear  Thee  not  may  be 
constrained  to  acknowledge,  that  God  is  in  us  of  a 
truth. 

Lord,  Thou  knowest  all  hearts.  Thou  seest 
whether  we  all  have  been  taught  by  the  Spirit  to 
love  the  Lord  Jesus,  and  to  flee  to  Him  for  refuse 
from  the  wrath  to  come.  If  any  here  present  are 
yet  strangers  to  themselves,  to  Jesus,  and  to  Thee, 
oil,  send  forth  the  Spirit  into  their  hearts.  Awak- 
en them  from  tlie  slumber  of  sin,  from  the  death  of 
sin,  to  walk  with  Thee  in  newness  of  life.  Speak 
but  the  word,  and  they  shall  be  healed,  and  may 
their  renovated  powers  be  wholly  consecrated  to 
Thee. 

And  now,  blessed  Lord,  we  commend  ourselves  to 
Tliy  care  and  keeping  this  night.  Thou,  the  Shep- 
herd of  Israel,  neither  slumberest  nor  sleepest. 
Watch  over  us,  and  guard  us  from  all  harm,  both 
of  body  and  soul.  Keep  us  in  that  continued  enjoy- 
ment of  Thy  presence,  and  sense  of  Thy  love,  that 


142  PRAYERS. 

we  shall  fear  the  grave  as  little  as  our  bed  ;  that 
we  may  even  rejoice  in  the  prospect  of  the  end  of 
life,  and  of  the  coming  day  of  the  Redeemer's  glory. 
Wean  ns  more  and  more  from  the  present  evil  world, 
and  reveal  to  us  more  and  more  the  glory  of  the 
world  to  come.  So  shall  we  live  as  strangers  and 
pilgrims  ;  so  shall  we  enjoy  that  peace  which  pass- 
eth  all  understanding  ;  so  shall  we  walk  with  Thee 
through  life  ;  and  so  shall  we  gladly  hail  the  advent 
of  Jesus,  or  wake  to  rise  and  reign  with  Him  on  the 
morning  of  the  resurrection. 

Grant  these  our  petitions,  0  Heavenly  Father, 
for  the  sake  of  Jesus  Christ,  our  only  Saviour  and 
Redeemer.     Amen. 


FRIDAY    M0R:N'ING. 

ll/rOST  blessed  Father  and  God,  whom  to  know 
■^-^  is  life  eternal,  and  whom  to  serve  is  perfect 
freedom,  give  us  the  light  of  the  knowledge  of  Thy 
glory  in  the  face  of  Jesus  Christ ;  and  help  us  now, 
through  Him,  to  offer  to  Thee  a  spiritual  sacrifice. 
Thy  mercies  are  new  every  day ;  great  is  Thy 
faithfulness.  Thou  hast  again  preserved  us  in  safety 
during  the  night,  and  dost  allow  us  to  worship 
Thee  this  morning  in  peace.  For  all  the  blessings 
of  this  life,  accept  our  thanksgiving.  Day  unto  day, 
and  night  unto  night,  declare  Thy  love  and  boun- 
tifulness  to  us.  Thou  fiUest  our  hearts  with  joy  and 
gladness — Thou  protectest  us  as  with  a  shield.  But 


^  PRAYER8.  143 

0  our  God,  renew  the  supplies  of  the  Holy  Spirit, 
to  furnish  our  lamps  with  oil  for  the  day,  that  we 
may  shine  as  lights  in  the  world.  (  We  cannot  live 
this  day  upon  the  strength  of  yesterday.  Give  us  a 
fresh  supply — an  increased  supply,  that  we  may  be 
more  holy,  less  worldly,  more  devoted,  less  slothful, 
than  before. 

We  would  go  forth  as  witnesses  for  Jesus  this  day. 
We  pray  for  strength  to  trample  on  the  world  and 
its  toys.  We  pray  Thee  to  remove  the  vail  that 
hides  Thy  glory,  and  to  allow  us  by  the  Spirit  to 
taste  the  power  of  the  world  to  come.  Display  be- 
fore us  the  unseen  realities  of  Thine  eternal  kingdom, 
that  we  may  rise  above  the  things  of  time  and 
sense.  0  Lord,  we  grieve  to  think  how  much  the 
world  still  prevails  to  draw  our  hearts  from  Thee. 
Crucify  us  to  the  world,  and  the  world  to  us.  May 
we  be  dead  to  its  enjoyments  ;  may  we  find  no  pleas- 
ure in  any  thing  on  earth,  except  as  it  leads  us  to 
Thee,  or  is  connected  with  Thy  service.  Make  us 
truly  to  be  citizens  of  a  heavenly  city — strangers 
here  in  the  land  of  our  pilgrimage.  May  our  con- 
versation one  with  another  be  upon  the  glory  that 
is  to  be  brousrht  to  us  at  the  revelation  of  the  Lord 
Jesus  Christ.  May  our  hearts  have  no  place  for  the 
trifling  concerns  of  this  passing  scene. 

Grant  to  Thy  faithful  people,  0  Lord,  the  enjoy- 
ment of  all  Thy  spiritual  gifts.  Make  the  Church 
a  temple  of  the  Holy  Ghost.  Be  Thou  seen  in  the 
midst  of  her  ;  and  may  each  member  of  Thy  body 


144  PRAYERS.  ** 

here  on  earth  be  an  epistle  of  the  Spirit,  read  and 
known  of  all  men.  Oh,  separate  Thy  Church  from 
the  world,  and  let  it  shine  as  a  city  set  upon  a  hill. 
Strengthen  the  hands  of  those  who  labor  in  Thy 
word  and  doctrine.  May  the  truths  of  Thy  re- 
vealed word  be  taught  them  by  the  Spirit,  that 
they  may  teach  others.  Lead  us  into  all  Thy  truth  0 
Lord  ;  sanctify  us  by  Thy  truth — Thy  word  is  truth. 

We  praise  Thee,  0  our  God,  for  the  blessings  of 
Thy  providence  and  Thy  grace  ;  for  freedom  from 
merited  sufferings,  and  for  the  hope  of  eternal  glory 
through  Jesus.  We  praise  Thee  for  a  crucified, 
risen,  and  ascended  Saviour.  Bestow  Thine  as- 
cension gifts  on  us,  0  merciful  Lord  Jesus  Christ, 
and  endue  us  with  power  from  on  high.  Give  faith 
to  those  who  have  it  not ;  increase  that  faith  to 
those  wdio  possess  it  ;  and  may  our  lives  be  those 
of  faith,  rejoicing  in  the  hope  of  the  glory  of  God. 

Blessed  Lord,  Thou  only  knowest  what  trials  and 
temptations  may  befall  us  this  day.  Keep  us  b}^ 
Thine  almighty  power ;  preserve  us  from  tempta- 
tions, if  it  be  Thy  will ;  deliver  us,  if  tempted.  En- 
able us  to  keep  in  mind  the  hope  of  our  calling  ; 
and  neither  to  say  nor  to  do  what  may  be  incon- 
sistent with  our  profession.  Wc  would  live  this  day 
as  though  it  were  our  last :  strengthen  us  so  to  do. 
Let  the  power  of  the  Spirit  be  felt  by  us,  subduing 
the  desires  of  the  flesh  and  of  the  mind,  and  bring- 
ing every  thought,  and  word,  and  action,  into  cap- 
tivity to  Thee. 


PBAYERS.  145 

Father  of  mercies,  hear  our  prayer,  and  let  our 
crying  come  unto  Thee.  Be  Thou  our  very  present 
help  this  day,  and  in  every  time  of  need,  for  the 
sake  of  Thy  beloved  Son,  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 
Amen. 

FRIDAY    EYENI:N^G. 

A  LMIGHTY  GOD,  Father  of  all  mercies,  whose 
■^-^  we  are,  and  whom  we  ought  to  serve  ;  whom  to 
know  is  life  eternal,  and  whom  to  obey  is  perfect 
freedom  :  we  adore  Thy  majesty,  as  we  are  allowed 
to  see  Thee,  in  the  face  of  Jesus  Christ. 

We  are  sinful  and  rebellious  creatures,  and  Thou 
art  a  consuming  fire  for  sin.  But  eternal  praise  be 
to  Thy  wisdom,  which  provided  a  way  whereby 
Thou  couldst  be  a  just  God,  and  yet  a  Saviour, — 
just  in  Thine  abhorrence  of  sin — a  Saviour  of  sin- 
ners, through  the  satisfaction  of  Thy  Son.  We  praise 
and  bless  Thee  for  the  Gospel  which  reveals  Thy 
love  to  us  in  Jesus — that  Thou  hast  laid  help  upon 
One  that  is  mighty — that  Thou  hast  delivered  us 
from  going  down  to  the  pit,  because  Thou  hast 
found  a  ransom.  0  Lord,  accept  us,  this  night,  in 
Him — Thy  Son — Thy  beloved — the  Lord  our  Bight- 
cousness.  We  take  hold  of  His  salvation ;  we 
appear  before  Thee  as  His  members ;  we  rejoice, 
that  in  Him  we  are  justified  from  all  things — that 
in  Him  Thou  art  a  God  of  love.  Oh,  for  the  Holy 
Ghost,  to  shed  abroad  in  our  hearts  the  love  of  Thy 
7 


146  PRAYERS. 

name ;  to  increase  in  us  true  religion ;  to  nourish 
us  with  all  goodness  ;  and  to  keep  us  in  Thy  love ! 

0  Lord,  it  is  pain  and  grief  to  us  that  we  do  not 
serve  Thee  better.  Our  hearts  are  too  often  charged 
with  the  care  and  occupation  of  earthly  things.  Our 
flesh  cleaveth  to  the  earth,  and  our  affections  stray 
away  from  Thee,  whom  we  have  charged  them  to 
love.  Pity  us,  0  our  God.  Have  compassion  upon 
us  while  we  are  struggling  against  the  temptations 
of  tlie  world,  the  flesh,  and  the  devil.  Leave  us  not 
in  our  own  strength  to  contend  with  spiritual  wick- 
edness in  high  places  ;  but  let  Thy  strength  be  made 
perfect  in  our  weakness.  Put  upon  us  Thy  heavenly 
armor.  Endue  us  with  power  from  on  high.  Bap- 
tize us  with  the  Holy  Ghost,  that  we  may  be  refined 
from  the  dross  of  earthly-mindedness,  and  purified  to 
serve  Thee  in  spirit  and  in  truth.  And  0  our  ever 
precious  Saviour — our  great  High  Priest — our 
Advocate  with  the  Father,  plead  Thou  our  cause  ; 
and  supply  all  spiritual  blessings,  for  the  strength- 
ening and  refreshing  of  our  souls.  All  that  we  can 
desire  is  treasured  up  in  Thee.  Give  forth,  without 
scarceness,  whatever  we  need,  for  Thy  service,  and 
for  the  enjoyment  of  heavenly  things  ;  so  that  we 
shall  be  neither  barren  nor  unfruitful  in  tlie  work 
of  our  God. 

0  Lord  our  guide,  make  it  plain  how  Thy  ser- 
vants should  serve  Thee.  Leave  us  not  in  doubt, 
who,  in  sincerity  of  heart,  look  to  Thee  for  direc- 
tion ;  but  let  the  pillar  and  the  cloud  go  before  us. 


PRAYERS,  147 

0  Lord,  rouse  Thy  slumbering  servants  amongst  us 
and  make  tliem  ready  for  the  bridegroom's  coming. 
Give  us  oil  in  our  lamps,  and  oil  in  our  vessels  ;  and 
so  wean  our  hearts,  even  from  the  lawful  engage- 
ment of  worldly  things,  that  we  may  be  ready  at  any 
moment  to  go  forth  when  the  cry  shall  be  heard. 
*'  Behold  the  bridegroom  cometh." 

If  there  be  any  present,  0  Lord,  who  could  not 
welcome  the  advent  of  Jesus,  enable  them  so  to  do. 
Prepare  their  hearts  to  obey  the  Gospel  of  His 
grace.  Give  them  faith  in  Jesus  as  a  Saviour,  and 
the  spirit  of  adoption  to  call  Thee  Abba,  Father. 
Oh,  curse  not  the  barren  fig  trees,  but  spare  them  yet 
a  little  longer,  and  supply  that  Spirit  which  will 
cause  them  to  bring  forth  fruit  to  Thy  glory. 

Let  these  our  petitions  be  lieard  and  answered 
by  Thee,  0  Lord,  for  Jesus  Christ's  sake.     Ameu. 

SATURDAY    MORNING. 

OLORD  GOD,  our  Creator  and  preserver,  who 
hast  brought  us  into  being,  and  sustained  us  all 
our  life  long,  though  unworthy  of  the  least  of  Thy 
mercies,  we  praise  Thee  for  these  the  blessings  of 
this  life.  But  above  all  would  we  adore  Thee  for 
the  manifestation  of  Thy  love  to  a  guilty  world  in 
the  gift  of  Thy  beloved  Son,  Jesus  Christ. 

We  come  before  Thee,  0  Lord,  to  receive  those 
spiritual  gifts  which  Thy  love  has  provided  and 
which  are  treasured  up  in  Jesus.     We  hunger  and 


148  PBA  TERS. 

thirst  after  righteousness  ;  feed  us,  this  morning, 
with  the  bread  of  life  ;  satisfy  our  thirst  from  the 
stream  of  the  Spirit ;  and  in  the  strength  of  this 
heavenly  portion  will  we  go  forth  upon  our  journey 
this  day. 

Blessed  Lord,  we  ask  Thee  thus  to  feed  us,  for  no 
food  for  our  souls  is  to  be  found  upon  earth.  We 
travel  through  a  wilderness  ;  and  yet  we  are  too 
often  contented  here,  as  though  this  were  our  place 
of  rest.  Lord,  suffer  us  not  so  to  be.  May  we  be 
weaned  from  this  world  that  our  affections  may  be 
turned  to  Jesus,  and  set  on  Him,  the  desire  of  our 
souls. 

0  our  God,  we  are  weary  by  reason  of  sin.  All 
that  is  in  us  is  unclean.  Our  evil  hearts  give  us 
unceasing  pain.  Grant  us,  then,  the  Spirit  to  sustain 
us  in  the  spiritual  warfare — to  keep  eternal  things 
in  constant  view  before  our  minds — to  display  the 
love  of  Jesus,  and  to  satisfy  our  hearts  out  of  His 
fulness.  We  would  adorn  the  doctrine  of  Christ  in 
all  things.  We  would  display  the  power  of  the 
Holy  Ghost  in  subduing  sin,  conquering  our  unruly 
and  unholy  tempers,  and  producing  wdthin  us  the 
meekness  and  gentleness  of  Jesus.  Grant  us  that 
chastened  temper  which  ever  yields  to  the  influence 
of  love,  and  displays  itself  in  the  spirit  of  love,  in 
all  we  think,  or  do,  or  say.  AVe  ask  not  for  worldly 
things,  0  Lord.  Feed  us  with  food  convenient  for 
us  ;  be  Thou  our  portion,  and  we  ask  no  more. 

We  pray  Thee,  Lord,  to  give  us  a  perfect  knowl- 


PR  A  TER8.  149 

edge  of  ourselves.  Our  hearts  are  deceitful,  as  well 
as  desperately  wicked.  Leave  us  not  in  doubt  or 
ignorance  as  to  our  real  state  in  Thy  sight.  If  the 
work  of  grace  be  not  already  begun — if  any  of  us 
have  thought  too  favourably  of  themselves — if  they 
have  been  deceiving  themselves  with  the  name  of 
Chistian,  without  the  power  of  the  Spirit  of  Christ. 
— oh,  work  in  them,  this  very  day,  that  needful 
change  of  heart  which  will  make  them  meet  for  the 
inheritance  of  the  saints  in  liglit.  May  we  all  be 
born  again  of  the  Spirit  ;  and  may  we  be  made  full 
partakers  of  the  divine  nature. 

And  enable  those  amongst  us,  0  Lord,  whom  Thy 
Spirit  has  effectually  called,  to  make  full  proof  in 
our  lives  of  an  indwelling  God.  Teach  us  to  walk 
after  the  example  of  Jesus  ;  to  live  as  strangers  and 
pilgrims  upon  earth  ;  to  deny  ourselves  the  enjoy- 
ment of  earthly  things,  that  we  may  have  to  give  to 
those  who  are  in  need.  Give  us  tender  consciences 
awake  to  every  danger  that  might  disturb  the  peace 
of  our  souls.  Manifest  Thy  glory  to  us,  that  being 
dead  to  the  glory  of  this  world,  we  may  live  upon 
the  enjoyment  of  the  hidden  life  of  Jesus,  and  the 
assured  hope  of  eternal  life  through  His  name.  May 
our  hearts  be  with  our  treasure  in  heaven,  and  may 
our  conversation  be  of  heavenly  things. 

Preserve  us  this  day,  we  beseech  Thee,  from  the 
evils  of  the  world  through  which  we  pass.  ^lay  we 
walk  as  separate  from  its  pleasures  and  pursuits, 
and  choose  rather  to  suffer  affliction  with  the  people 


150  PRAYERS. 

of  God,  than  to  enjoy  the  pleasures  of  sin  for  a  sea- 
son. Keep  us  mindful  that  this  day  is  the  prepara- 
tion of  the  Sabbath,  so  tliat  no  worldly  care  or  busi- 
ness may  be  allowed  to  interfere  with  the  day  of 
sacred  rest.  Hear  us,  answer  us,  and  bless  us,  for 
the  sake  of  Him,  through  whom  Thou  canst  receive 
us  with  acceptance — the  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  Amen. 

SATURDAY    EVENING. 

liTOST  blessed  Lord,  by  whose  kind  providence 
^^  we  have  been  brought  in  safety  through 
another  week,  and  are  now  permitted  to  worship 
Thee,  through  Jesus,  meet  us  with  tliy  favour,  and 
manifest  thyself  to  our  souls,  wliile  we  now  ap- 
proach Thy  throne  of  grace. 

We  come  with  holy  awe,  and  with  filial  confi- 
dence. We  speak  to  Thee  with  Immility,  and  yet 
with  boldness.  Thou  loves t  Thy  Son  Jesus,  and 
thou  loves t  to  bless  sinners,  tlirough  Him.  Bless 
us,  then,  for  through  Him  alone  we  come.  But 
though  thou  bless  us  not,  we  will  worship  and 
praise  Thee  for  Thine  eternal  excellence.  We  love 
to  think  of  Thy  holiness.  We  rejoice  at  Thy  hatred 
of  sin.  Yet,  Lord,  we  know  that  Thou  wilt  bless 
us,  for  thou  delightest  in  showing  mercy. 

O  God,  we  are  just  tlie  objects  for  Thy  compas- 
sion, for  we  are  poor  and  needy  sinners.  Work 
upon  us  ;  subdue  us  to  Thine  obedience ;  exalt  us 
to  Thy  holiness  ;  get  glory  in  us,  and  by  us  ;  make 


PRAYERS.  151 

US  monuments  of  Thy  grace  and  of  Thy  redeeming 
love.  Empty  us  completely  of  self ;  fill  us  with  the 
fulness  of  Thy  Spirit.  Breathe  a  new  and  holy 
life  into  those  amongst  us  who  may  yet  be  dead  in 
sin.  Let  none  of  us  now  kneeling  in  Thy  presence 
be  wanting  amongst  the  number  of  those  who  shall 
appear  with  Thy  Son  in  His  glory. 

0  heavenly  Father,  we  confess  that  we  are  too 
much  occupied  with  the  things  of  time  and  sense ; 
that  we  cannot  shake  off  the  world  and  its  ties  as 
Thy  word  directs  and  our  consciences  approve. 
Occupy  us  so  with  Thj^self,  that  we  shall  have 
neither  time  nor  taste  for  what  does  not  directly 
tend  to  profit.  0  our  Father,  we  are  very  weak. 
We  are  easily  led  to  follow  the  devices  and  desires 
of  our  own  hearts.  We  have  a  crafty  enemy,  who 
watches  for  our  halting,  and  suits  his  temptations 
to  our  peculiar  weakness.  Do  thou  interfere  in  our" 
behalf  Strengthen  us  with  might  by  Thy  Spirit  in 
the  inner  man,  that  Christ  may  dwell  in  our  hearts 
by  faith  ;  that  we,  being  rooted  and  grounded  in 
love,  may  be  able  to  comprehend  with  all  saints, 
what  is  the  length  and  breadth,  and  depth  and 
height,  and  to  know  the  love  of  Christ  which  pass- 
eth  knowledge,  that  we  may  be  filled  with  all  the 
fulness  of  God.  Give  us  that  fulness  of  Thyself,  0 
God,  and  we  shall  be  satisfied. 

And  grant  to  Thy  Church  at  large,  0  Lord,  the 
greater  enjoyment  of  Thy  heavenly  gifts.  Revive 
Thy  work  in  power  if  it  be  Thy  will.    Manifest  Thy- 


152  PRATERS. 

self  in  the  midst  of  Thy  people  ;  and  make  Thy 
people  holy  vessels  to  be  inhabited  of  Thee.  Give 
the  Spirit  abundantly  to  those  who  are  to  stand  up 
on  tlie  morrow,  to  preach  the  Gospel  of  Thy  grace. 
Remove  their  dependence  on  all  human  power,  and 
teach  them  to  trust  alone  to  the  accompanying 
power  of  the  Holy  Ghost.  And  do  Thou  bless 
their  faithful  testimony,  and  confirm  it  by  signs  fol- 
lowing. Raise  up  many  more  to  testify  of  Jesus, 
and  raise  the  standard  of  ministerial  devotedness. 
Oh,  prepare  the  hearts  of  the  thoughtless,  the  care- 
less, the  ungodly,  and  the  worldly,  to  receive  with 
meekness  the  ingrafted  word,  which  is  able  to  save 
their  souls,  that  Satan  may  not  prevail  to  choke  the 
seed  by  the  weeds  of  worldy  cares.  May  the 
coming  Sabbath  be  a  blessing  to  the  soul  of  each  of 
each  of  us — a  day  in  which  the  Lord  may  be  magni- 
fied amongst  us. 

Bless  the  various  institutions  in  our  land,  estab- 
lished to  benefit  the  sick  and  needy,  or  to  promote 
the  knowledge  of  Thy  holy  word.  Give  to  their 
governors  a  single  eye  to  Thy  glory  ;  and  may  they 
be  taught  to  wait  upon  Thee  for  that  blessing  of  the 
Spirit,  which  alone  can  give  success  to  their  labors. 
Take  charge  of  us  this  niglit,  0  Lord  ;  and  refresh 
our  weary  bodies  with  needful  rest.  To  thy  bless- 
ing, 0  heavenly  Father,  we  commend  ourselves  in 
the  name  of  Jesus  Christ.     Amen. 


PETITIONS   AND   THANKSGIVINGS 
FOR   SPECIAL    OCCASIONS. 


NOTE. 

The  following  petitions  and  thanksgivings  are  added  for 
such  occasions  as  arise  in  families,  and  are  to  be  selected 
and  used  in  connection  with  the  prayers  of  the  day. 
Those  not  accustomed  to  pray  with  others  often  feel  some 
difficulty  in  offering  such  petitions,  from  inabihty  to  de- 
scribe the  case  without  any  awkwardness.  An  attempt  to 
meet  this  difficulty  is  here  made.  The  explanatory  clauses 
prefixed,  had  better  be  used  at  the  beginning  of  the  family 
worship,  before  the  reading  of  Scripture  ;  and  the  more 
simply  and  naturally  they  are  spoken  the  better.  Religion 
is  to  be  part  of  our  daily  life,  not  an  addition  to  it,  or  an 
interruption  of  it. 


PETITIONS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS. 


[One  of  our  number  is  now  sick  and  not  witli  us.     We  must 
not  forget  liim  (or  her)  in  our  prayers.] 

LORD,  who  senclest  sickness  or  health  accord- 
ing to  Thy  holy  will,  remember  the  suffering 
one  of  our  number.  If  it  be  Thy  will,  restore  to 
health  again,  and  make  this  trial  a  blessing  to  him 
(or  her)  and  to  us  all,  that  we  may  not  proudly 
count  upon  constant  health,  but  may  walk  before 
Thee  in  lowliness  and  meekness  all  the  days  of  our 
lives,  through  our  blessed  Redeemer,  Christ  Jesus. 

[One  of  our  number  is  dangerously  sick,  and  we  need  help 
from  God,  and  must  not  fail  to  ask  it.] 

"1/f  ERCIFUL  Lord,  who  dost  not  Avillingly  afflict 
■^^  the  children  of  men.  Thou  dost  lay  care 
and  trouble  upon  us,  through  the  serious  illness  of 
one  of  our  number.  0  Lord,  we  pray  in  humble 
submission  to  Thy  will  for  life  and  health  ;  but  if 
tliis  sickness  is  to  be  unto  death,  0  Lord,  give  par- 
don of  all  his  (or  her)  sins,  and  Thine  own  blessed 
peace.  Grant  unto  him  (or  her)  full  trust  in  Him 
who  hath  conquered  death,  and  risen  from  the  grave, 

(155) 


156  P  MAYERS. 

and  who  ever  liveth  at  Thy  right  hand.  Hear  us, 
0  Lord,  ill  this  our  earnest  and  united  petition,  for 
Je>us'  sake. 

[Our  friends (or  iieigTibors) are  in  sorrow,  and 

we  ought  not  to  forget  them  in  our  prayers.] 

f^  EACIOUS  God,  Thou  hast  sent  sorrow  into 
^-^  the  dwelling  of  our  friends  (or  neighibors), 
whose  name  we  have  just  named.  We  beseech  Thee 
for  them.  Give  them  patience  under  affliction.  Let 
this  chastening  be  in  love,  and  for  their  profit.  Give 
them  the  joy  of  Thy  salvation  ;  and  when  there  is 
darkness  in  Thy  providence,  may  they  have  much 
light  from  the  promises  of  Thy  holy  word,  through 
Jesus  Christ,  in  whom  all  the  promises  are  given. 
Sanctify  this  sorrow  to  us  and  to  all  around  us  for 
Jesus'  sake. 

[There  is  now  one  more  under  our  roof,  and  we  should  pray 
that  his  (or  her)  coming  may  be  a  blessing  to  all.] 

T  ORD  God,  in  Thy  providence,  which  orders  all 
~^  our  ways,  and  directs  the  steps  of  all  that  wait 
on  Thee,  Thou  hast  brought  another  into  our  dwell- 
ing, and  we  pray  Thee  that  his  (or  her)  stay  may 
be  the  means  of  increased  happiness  to  all  of  us. 
Make  us  to  know  what  we  owe  to  one  another  in 
our  several  places  and  relations,  and  enable  us  to 
act  towards  one  another,  that  we  may  each  do  good, 
both  temporal  and  spiritual,  all  the  days  of  our 
lives. 


^PRAYERS.  157 

[We  shall  not  have at  our  family  worship  again,  for 

some  time  at  least ;  and  we  ought  particularly  to  commend 
him  (or  her)  to  the  Divine  protection.] 

{~^  RACIOUS  Father,  we  desire  to  join  together 
^-^  with  all  our  hearts  in  committing  to  Thy  care 
him  (or  her)  who  uo\y  leaves  our  dwelling.  Go 
Thou,  0  heavenly  Father,  who  art  everywhere 
present,  with  him  (or  her),  to  give  safety  and  peace 
in  all  the  ways  of  life,  to  bestow  the  peace  that 
comes  from  knowing  and  serving  Christ,  and  to  give 
at  last  an  entrance  with  us,  and  with  all  the  family 
that  is  named  after  Jesus,  into  Thy  heavenly  king- 
dom, through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 


[We  have  to  be  thankful  that  one  more  is  added  to  our  family, 
and  should  ask  the  Lord  to  make  this  little  one  His  own 
child.] 

f^  GOD,  the  God  of  the  spirits  of  all  flesh,  we 
^^  desire  to  thank  Thee  for  the  safety  of  Thy 
child  in  the  time  of  weakness.  AVe  bless  Thee  for 
a  living  mother,  and  for  the  child  Thou  hast  given. 
We  pray  that  the  life  spared,  and  the  new  life  now 
bestowed,  may  be  both  consecrated  to  Thy  service 
and  glory,  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord  and 
Saviour.  And  do  Thou,  for  His  sake,  help  us,  and 
all  parents,  to  train  the  children  committed  to  our 
care  for  Thy  service  and  glory. 


158  PRAYERS. 

[Our  congregation  is  now  witliout  a  pastor,  and  we  are  told 
to  ask  the  Lord  of  tlie  harvest  for  the  laborers.] 

T^LESSED  Father,  we  thank  Thee  for  all  the 
-■^  good  we  have  ever  received  through  the 
preaching  of  the  gospel.  Enable  us  to  profit  by 
all  we  are  permitted  to  hear  in  Thy  house.  Be 
pleased  to  send  among  us  a  good  man,  full  of  the 
Holy  Ghost  and  of  faith,  who  shall  be  a  true  am- 
bassador of  Christ  among  us,  and  by  Thy  grace 
win  many  to  the  Lord,  and  comfort  Thy  people,  for 
the  sake  of  Jesus  our  Lord,  who  is  also  King  and 
Head  over  His  church. 


[When  we  want  employment,  we  should  tell  this  and  all  our 
wants  to  the  Lord,  who  knows  what  is  best  for  us,  and  who 
has  the  hearts  of  all  men  in  His  hand.] 

A  LMIGHTY  Father,  who  givest  us  strength  to 
-^-^  labor,  and  who.se  will  it  is  that  we  should 
work  with  our  hands  tlie  thing  which  is  good,  be 
pleased  to  point  out  to  us  in  Thy  providence  what  Thou 
wouldst  have  us  to  do.  Give?  us  full  confidence  in 
Thy  care  and  faithfulness,  and  make  all  things  to 
work  together  for  our  good,  for  the  sake  of  our 
blessed  Lord  and  Saviour. 

[It  has  pleased  God  to  take  away  from  us  one  of  our  house- 
hold, and  we  should  not  forget  to  ask  Him  to  sanctify  His 
providence  to  us  all.] 

f~\  LORD,  Thou  hast  seen  it  good  to  send  Thy 
^-^  messenger  Death  into  this  dwelling.     Thy  will 


PRATERS.  159 

be  done.  Keep  us  from  murmuring  or  secretly  re- 
pining. And  be  pleased,  0  God,  to  make  this  re- 
moval a  blessing  to  all  of  us  who  survive  May  we 
have  grace  so  to  number  our  days  that  we  may  ap- 
ply our  hearts  unto  wisdom.  Cause  us  to  hear  Thy 
voice  saying  to  us,  "Be  ye  therefore  also  ready." 
Prepare  us,  0  Lord,  for  the  duties  of  life,  and  the 
solemn  hour  of  death,  for  Christ's  sake. 


FOR    THE    JEWS. 

O  MERCIFUL  Saviour,  look  with  compassion 
upon  Israel's  benighted  children.  Take  Thou 
the  vail  from  their  hearts.  Graft  Thou  them  into 
their  own  olive  tree.  Cause  them  to  look  to  Thee 
whom  they  have  pierced,  and  mourn.  May  their 
hearts  be  stirred  to  seek  and  find  their  long-expected 
Messiah  ;  and  may  the  blood  which  they  once  called 
down  in  vengeance  upton  their  heads  be  to  them  the 
blood  of  sprinkling,  speaking  better  things  than  that 
of  Abel.  Reveal  Jesus  to  them"  by  the  Spirit,  as 
the  way,  the  truth,  and  the  life.  Bless  those  who 
labor  amongst  them ;  and  guide  them  by  the 
Spirit  to  testify  of  Christ. 

FOR    MISSIONARIES. 

GRACIOUS   Lord  Jesus,  who  didst  command 
Thy  disciples   to   go   into   all  nations,  and 
preach  the  Gospel  to  every  creature  ;  we  ask  Thy 


160  PRAYERS. 

blessing  upon  Thy  faithful  servants,  who  have  gone 
forth  in  Thy  name,  and  according  to  Thy  will,  to 
publish  Thy  salvation  in  heathen  lands.  Grant 
them  an  abundant  measure  of  Thy  Holy  Spirit. 
May  they  shine  as  lights  in  the  dark  places  of  the 
earth.  May  they  be  faithful  unto  death.  As  they 
go  forth,  taking  nothing  of  the  Gentiles,  do  Thou 
stir  up  the  hearts  of  Thy  people  to  send  them  on 
their  way.  May  they  so  live  the  life  of  Jesus,  as 
to  preach  by  the  holiness  of  their  lives  ;  that  Thy 
holy  name  by  them  be  not  blasphemed. -f 


Date  Due 

,|^  9  Q  ' 

!!l 

til 

^ 

